Bhopal:Friday, December 12, 2008:Chairperson of Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission Justice Shri D.M. Dharmadhikari has laid emphasis on the balance between human needs and environmental conservation. The natural resources should be made on the basis of human need and not greed. Shri Dharmadhikari said that the process of environmental conservation can be made permanent with the fusion of public cooperation, legal system, spirituality and technology. The wanton use of natural resources can plunge the existence of human being in grave peril. Shri Dharmadhikari expressed these views while speaking on the topic ‘Environmental challenges in 21st century’ at National Law Institute University here today.
Law under-graduate students drawn from various National Law Institutes, Research and Training Director of EPCO Dr. U.R. Singh, NLIU Bhopal’s principal Dr. Surya Prakash, Prof. Rajiv Khare, Registrar Shri S.M Garg and commission’s Deputy Secretary Shri Vijay Chandra were also present on the occasion.
Shri Dharmadhikari said that forest produce is the source of livelihood of tribals dwelling forests. The policy in the name of environmental conservation should not be formulated in such a way that it casts an adverse impact on tribals’ livelihood. He said that animals and tribals living in forests are their protectors. Shri Dharmadhikari called for stopping exploitation of natural resources in the name of urban development. He said that villagers should be provided better employment opportunities in their respective areas so that their migration towards cities can be checked. He said that water conservation tanks have been constructed in every house in Junagarh area of Gujarat. This year water crisis is being felt in Bhopal right now. Therefore, the local citizens must devise such ingenious ways for water conservation and augmentation. He noted that now the common man has started to demand fulfillment of his requirements as a right. Rights can be entertained when every person carries out his duties.
At the outset, Prof. Rajiv Khare threw light on the objectives of the symposium. He said that students drawn from various universities have submitted 40 papers on this subject. These papers have been clubbed together and given the name of Bhopal Declaration on Environmental Challenges. Prof. Khare informed that the symposium also discussed solid waster management, current and ancient methods of water management, reformative ways for environmental balance etc. Justice Dharmadhikari presented trophies to winning participants of the cricket tournament organised by the law institute. Shanu Saxena proposed a vote of thanks.