Justice BR Gavai Calls for Sustainable Development Amidst Wayanad Tragedy
Justice BR Gavai of the Supreme Court, addressing a recent conference in Kumarakom, Kerala, emphasized the crucial need for sustainable development, urging that human greed should not undermine environmental conservation for future generations. His remarks were part of the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA)’s International Conference on ‘Law and Technology: Sustainable Transport, Tourism, and Technological Innovations.’
Justice Gavai paid tribute to those affected by the recent tragedy in Wayanad, where over 230 lives were lost due to landslides. He criticized the mindless exploitation of natural resources, linking it to the environmental disaster observed in Wayanad. “Kerala, known as ‘God’s own country,’ should not suffer due to unchecked human greed. It is essential that we address these issues through conferences on sustainable practices,” he stated.
He underscored the importance of balancing development with environmental protection, stating that all branches of government—legislative, executive, and judiciary—must collaborate to achieve this balance. Justice Gavai pointed out that while development is necessary, it should not come at the expense of the environment. He stressed the concept of sustainable development as crucial, reflecting on how past Supreme Court rulings, such as those concerning public transport pollution in Delhi, have positively impacted environmental protection.
Justice Gavai also discussed the role of environmental jurisprudence, noting the challenges of reconciling state demands for development with environmental concerns. He touched on the roles of Artificial Intelligence, eco-tourism, and man-animal conflicts, advocating for a more integrated approach to addressing these complex issues.
In addition, Justice Gavai highlighted the urgent need to address the adverse effects of climate change. “Development is crucial, but we must also ensure that basic necessities like clean air and water are preserved. The current environmental challenges demand serious attention and action,” he emphasized.
Other dignitaries at the conference, including Justice Surya Kant, Kerala High Court Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque, Attorney General R Venkataramani, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, echoed Justice Gavai’s concerns. They underscored the importance of sustainable practices and legal frameworks to address emerging issues in tourism, transport, and environmental protection.
The conference served as a platform for discussing innovative measures and legislative actions needed to protect the environment while fostering development. The collective aim was to ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is both sustainable and thriving.
(With inputs from agency)
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