Aizawl, Mar 20 (UNI)The Mizoram Environmental NGOs Coordination Committee (MENCO)urged the Speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly to expunge from House records certain remarks made by Ministers and Legislators during the ongoing session, alleging that the statements could mislead the public and undermine efforts toward environmental protection.
In a representation submitted to Speaker Lalbiakzama on Thursday, MENCO expressed concern over comments made by Horticulture Minister Prof Lalnilawma, who also holds the PHED portfolio, suggesting that “sometimes sustainable development and environment protection needed to be ignored in the pursuit of economic development.” He reportedly made the statement while countering concerns that the expansion of ginger cultivation could negatively impact the environment.
The environmental body also objected to a statement made by ZPM MLA and Political Adviser to the Chief Minister, Lalmuanpuia Punte, who said that forest reservation does not necessarily lead to abundant water sources. “Thick forests do not always have abundant water sources, while hills with fewer trees sometimes do,” Punte reportedly told the House. A similar view was echoed by Power Minister F. Rodingliana.
MENCO stated that such statements could mislead the public regarding the vital link between forests, water sources, and environmental sustainability. The committee pointed out that these remarks appear to contradict the Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 48A) and the Fundamental Right to Life (Article 21), as interpreted by the judiciary under the Indian Constitution.
Interestingly, Chief Minister Lalduhoma also made a personal remark in the House, saying that consuming raw snails helped heal his fractured elbow, citing his own experience.
MENCO appealed to the Speaker to review and expunge the statements in question, stating that doing so would ensure that Mizoram continues to follow the right path in environmental protection. The committee said their appeal was made in line with Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, which enjoins every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment.
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