The environmental cost of recovery
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A new draft law on environmental impact assessment in India has sparked a debate. Critics say it is investor-friendly and will make it easier for industrial and infrastructure projects to get clearances, which may lead to severe environmental consequences. They also blame the government for trying to rush through the crucial law during a lockdown.
India, on the other hand, is facing its worst job crisis ever. The country\\u2019s GDP contracted by nearly 24% in the first quarter of 2020. And for PM Modi\\u2019s administration, it is crucial to quickly revive the crashing economy.
So, can India balance growth with protection of its environment? Or should creating jobs get priority?
In this edition of WorklifeIndia, we question if the environmental cost of economic recovery is too high, and whether green jobs offer a better alternative for growth.
Presenter: Divya Arya\\n \\nContributors: Kanchi Kohli, environmental researcher, Centre for Policy Research; Ashis Dash, CEO, Sustainable Mining, FIMI; Sowmya Reddy, environmental activist, Congress lawmaker
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