Environment and development

Environment and development are equally important. As development is inevitable, there has to be a balance between the both. According to Dr Shreerang Kadrekar, noted scientist and former vice-chancellor of Dapoli Agriculture University, people should not oppose developmental project for the sake of opposition.
“The state is currently reeling under acute power shortage. And enhanced power generation is the only solution to the problem. But unfortunately, people tend to oppose such projects in the name of environment and other problems blown out of proportion,” Dr Kadrekar said.
The founder member of the Indian Society of Environmental Science and Technology (ISEST), Dr Kadrekar is also instrumental in creating awareness among young generation about importance of both development and environment.
He feels that power plants do not necessarily result in huge air and soil pollution. On the contrary, if managed mindfully, a power plant can become a role model in environment conservation. “The Dahanu Thermal Power Station (DTPS), for example, has set many bench marks not only in power generation but environment conservation also,” Dr Kadrekar said. A power plant can help the society in many ways and when such activities are done meticulously, results can be fabulous, he said. Today, corporate houses have become more conscious about environment protection and have undertaken many conservation measures, which is definitely a good sign, he added.
“The biggest reason for opposition to any thermal power plant is air pollution due to smoke and fly ash. But not many people know that flay ash can be used as fertilizer, pesticide and also to construct buildings and roads,” Dr Kadrekar said. People should obtain complete information about functioning of any project before opposing, he added. In view of the current power crisis in the state, society should support setting up new power plants and upgradation of existing ones. “If managed on the lines of DTPS, pollution can be kept well under control and at the same time, green cover around the plant can be increased manifold,” he said.
Some problems to environment are bound to occur due to developmental projects. But environmentalists and policy makers should try to mitigate the consequences rather than opposing the projects. These projects can also become highly socially responsible if allowed to function properly, Dr Kadrekar added. Despite the DTPS being functional to the fullest for over a decade now, there is virtually no effect on the environment of Dahanu, he said. Whatever claims are being made for the environmental impact of DTPS on farming, especially, chikku farms, the root cause is mismanagement and not the power plant, Dr Kadrekar said.