DEHRADUN: The Union ministry of environment, forests, and climate change (MoEF&CC) has released a draft notification seeking people’s input on potential amendments to the 1989 Doon Valley notification. Individuals have a 60-day window to submit objections or suggestions in writing to the ministry.
The proposed changes include the preparation of plans such as tourism, grazing, master plan of development, and others by the state government with input from relevant departments. Additionally, orange category industrial projects not covered by the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) will be considered by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board following due procedures.
According to conservationists, the 1989 Doon Valley notification, modified in 2005 and 2020, has already accommodated political and business interests. Further dilution of these laws could adversely impact the fragile valley, already facing challenges from unplanned urbanisation, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Environmental advocate Reenu Paul highlighted the potential risks, saying, “All checks and balances and expert monitoring would be bypassed if the state government gains absolute authority.” Explaining the motive behind the amendments, Paul added, “This is an attempt to avoid legal challenges that arise from the 1989 notification when informed citizens take matters to court.”
The Doon Valley notification, crucial for safeguarding the valley from degradation, faces amendments as the state pursues its development plans. Recent legal battles underscore the necessity of maintaining the safeguards provided by the 1989 notification, given the increasing pressure from tourism, vehicular pollution, and unchecked infrastructure development.
The Doon Valley notification, established in 1989, classified industries based on their pollution levels and prohibited land-use changes, grazing, and the establishment of Red Category industries. Notably, it was one of the first notifications following Maharashtra’s Murud-Janjira Environmental Site notification in January 1989.
