Mumbai: Environmentalists must unite and continue their fight against environmental violations without being deterred by labels such as “Dimagi Naxal,” “anti-national” or “Urban Naxal,” said Justice Abhay Oka…

Mumbai: Environmentalists must unite and continue their fight against environmental violations without being deterred by labels such as “Dimagi Naxal,” “anti-national” or “Urban Naxal,” said Justice Abhay Oka (Retd), a former judge of the Supreme Court. Emphasising the need to build a strong environmental movement, Justice Oka called for greater co-ordination among activists, the sharing of ideas and collective action instead of isolated campaigns. He also stressed the urgent need to nurture a new generation of young environmentalists who can stand up against violations and champion environmental protection.Neither a cockroach, nor a Dimagi Naxal, yet… He was speaking at Prithvi Sustain – Environmentalists’ Meet held at V.G. Vaze–Kelkar College, Mulund in northeast Mumbai, organised by Prayas Sevabhavi Sanstha, to encourage collaboration and collective action towards a greener and healthier future to bring all the activists under one roof.Adv Sagar Devre of Prayas highlighted the challenges faced by environmental activists and the tendency to brand those who raise environmental concerns with labels such as “anti-national” and “Urban Naxal.” Justice Oka urged activists not to be discouraged by such references and to remain committed to their cause.Distinguishing genuine development from infrastructure expansion, Justice Oka said that metros, highways and redevelopment projects cannot be the sole indicators of progress, particularly when environmental concerns are overlooked. True development must include affordable housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, green cover and open spaces.Referring to the constitutional principle of social justice, he questioned the state of affordable education when government schools themselves are closing down.Justice Oka called upon environmentalists to begin environmental awareness initiatives at the school and college levels, particularly concerning mangroves, wetlands and tree conservation.He also suggested drawing inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers such as Sant Tukaram and Sant Gadge Maharaj, using their teachings to spread awareness about the protection of nature.Addressing issues of noise pollution and excessive celebrations, Justice Oka observed that existing laws prescribe permissible decibel limits and stressed the importance of enforcing them effectively. He urged activists to educate young people about noise pollution and the excessive use of firecrackers, noting that tradition should not become an excuse for disproportionate celebrations.From Naxalbari to ‘Dimagi Naxal’: How a political label became a debate over dissentOn tree protection, Justice Oka expressed concern over the functioning of tree authorities and questioned the ecological value of compensatory plantations undertaken far away from the locations where trees are felled. He emphasised that distant plantation cannot adequately compensate for the ecological loss caused at the original site.Offering guidance on environmental litigation, Justice Oka advised activists to thoroughly document the environmental impact of projects, undertake detailed studies and prepare well-researched cases before approaching courts.He underscored the importance of constitutional values, compliance with the law and evidence-based legal action in strengthening environmental protection efforts.

Source: Deccan Herald