Black vehicle exhaust fumes choking the atmosphere, water sources getting clogged with debris, including of idols, deforestation.
These major environmental issues don’t seem to figure in the poll campaign in West Bengal, say green activists who want political parties to raise them while canvassing for votes.
“It is imperative that the parties include environment issues in their manifestos, but they seldom do so. Sustainable economic growth is achievable only by creating a balance between industrialisation and the environment,” said Jayshree Roy, director of the Global Climate Centre of Jadavpur University.
“The world is facing the threat of climate change. Efforts are being made all over the world to strike a balance between industry and environment. Sadly there seems to be a lack of political will here. Lack of awareness among the masses has compounded the problem, she said.”