Environment, Governance and Accountability: The Real Test for West Bengal

By Sundaram Tiwari

West Bengal: Environmental concerns in India are gradually entering the mainstream political discourse. Yet, they often remain confined to manifesto promises rather than becoming the foundation of governance. As states move through electoral transitions, the real question is not what is promised, but what is implemented.

National Vision: Setting the Environmental Tone

At the national level, Narendra Modi has consistently brought environmental issues into public consciousness. Through initiatives like Mann Ki Baat and Mission LiFE, he has emphasised sustainable lifestyles, water conservation, and people’s participation in protecting nature. This continuous engagement reflects a serious and evolving commitment toward environmental stewardship. Supporting this vision, Bhupender Yadav, as Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has worked on strengthening India’s global climate commitments, biodiversity conservation, and policy frameworks that aim to balance development with sustainability. This national framework sets the direction, but its success depends on how effectively states translate it into action.

Manifesto Commitments: BJP and TMC on Environment

In West Bengal, environmental concerns have featured in the manifestos of both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). The BJP emphasised:

• River rejuvenation, especially the Ganga River
• Strengthening pollution control mechanisms
• Large-scale afforestation drives
• Improved urban waste management
• Expansion of clean drinking water infrastructure

The TMC focused on:

• Conservation of ecologically sensitive regions like the Sundarbans
• Climate resilience in cyclone-prone coastal areas
• Wetland protection and restoration
• Continuation of plantation and green schemes
• Promotion of renewable energy
• While both approaches acknowledged environmental concerns, the real difference lies in execution, monitoring, and accountability.

A New Political Phase: The Real Test of Governance

Now, with the Bharatiya Janata Party coming to power with a strong mandate for the first time in the state, the expectations have significantly increased. This marks a crucial turning point. The central government has already initiated several environmental programs, but governance at the state level is where real change becomes visible. The coming years will determine how effectively policies are implemented on the ground. Key questions now arise:

• How will the government protect fragile ecosystems like the Sundarbans?
• What concrete steps will be taken to safeguard tiger habitats?
• How will illegal tree felling and deforestation be controlled?
• What mechanisms will be used to stop land encroachment and ecological degradation?

These are not abstract concerns; they are immediate and visible challenges.

The Sundarbans and Beyond: Ground Realities

The Sundarbans is one of the most fragile ecological regions in the world. It serves as a natural barrier against cyclones, supports biodiversity, and sustains millions of livelihoods. Yet, it is under constant threat. Major concerns include:

• Illegal tree cutting and forest degradation
• Encroachment on ecologically sensitive land
• Rising sea levels and increasing salinity
• Frequent cyclones cause repeated damage
• Human-wildlife conflict due to shrinking habitats

Beyond the Sundarbans, West Bengal faces broader environmental challenges:

• Urban pollution in cities
• Wetland encroachment
• River pollution
• Inefficient waste management systems

Addressing these issues requires not just policy announcements but strict enforcement and institutional accountability.

The Missing Link: Environmental Leadership

One of the most overlooked aspects in Indian politics is the lack of focus on environmental leadership. While Chief Ministerial candidates dominate headlines, very little attention is paid to:

• The Environment Minister
• The Forest Minister
• The Chairpersons of Pollution Control Boards
• Wildlife and biodiversity authorities

These roles are critical. Their expertise, intent, and integrity directly influence environmental outcomes. Without capable leadership in these positions, even strong political mandates may fail to deliver meaningful change.

The Way Forward

For West Bengal, this moment presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. The path forward must include:

• Strong coordination between central and state environmental policies
• Strict action against illegal deforestation and land encroachment
• Protection and restoration of the Sundarbans ecosystem
• Strengthening of Pollution Control Boards and regulatory institutions
• Community-driven conservation efforts
• Transparent and accountable governance mechanisms

Environmental governance is no longer optional; it is essential. With strong national leadership emphasising sustainability and a new political phase in West Bengal, the conditions for meaningful change exist.

The real test, however, lies in action.

Because in ecologically sensitive regions like the Sundarbans, protecting the environment is not just about policy, it is about survival, resilience, and the future of generations to come.

(Sundaram Tiwari is a State Youth Award–winning environmentalist and social worker. He is actively working in Uttar Pradesh on water conservation, tree plantation, and biodiversity protection, and promotes environmental awareness through cycle yatras and community initiatives.)