The Order Of Change

To resolve environmental problems, we need a change in mindset, empirical studies, implementation, monitoring and follow-ups, says Justice Madan B Lokur. Excerpts from his speech at the Anil Agarwal Dialogue recently organised by the Centre for Science and Environment.

IN EARLY 1970s, there was a mathematician in the US who used to also play the piano and sing. One of the songs he composed went: “When you come to New York City, you have to be careful about two things—one, don’t drink the water, and second, don’t breathe the air.” Once you are able to do these things you are pretty safe. Since then things have changed in New York City, but we in India have still not woken up.

One of the environmental challenges we face is how to bring about a change in mindset of people. Indeed, individuals can do something, but support from the State is also vital—Union and state governments, municipalities and so on. I remember my experiences of visiting various courts in central India, Northeast, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Whenever there was no electricity or if it was going to rain, the judge would simply leave the court room saying he cannot work with no electricity and the court would be adjourned for the day.

We tried to introduce computerisation, but without electricity the computers would not work. So we started advocating the use of solar energy. I am sorry to say that many of the chief justices at that time said it was the job of the government. The governments had no interest. In spite of several campaigns and subsidies, no state government actually came forward and said we will help the court. The courts did not go forward to the State. Here, journalists can play a very important role in changing the mindset of people.