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Role of non-governmental
organizations in environment
conservation the Indian scenario




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Contents

Acknowledgement......3
Introductions...4
List of NGOs that work in the field of environmental conservation......6
Role of NGOs in protection for the environment in India...12
Tools used by NGOs - PIL and RTI13
Government and NGO collaboration.. 14
Industry and NGO collaboration.16
Conclusion17
Bibliography.18






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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

What you see, you forget,
What you hear, you remember,
What you do, you understand
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my acknowledgements to all those who
helped me during the course of this project. I thank profusely Mr. Jacob Joseph & Mr. M. C.
Valson, my teachers and guides of Environment Law, without whose support and supervision
this project would not have been a success. Indeed, the experience has been insightful and
most often, thought provoking. A deeper understanding of such an important topic has
enriched my knowledge.
I also wish to express my gratitude to the all library staff for their patience and
cooperation in helping us find the apt research material and being generous with the due
dates. My thanks further extend to all my other sources of information and of course, to my
friends and seniors, without whose insightful thoughts and relevant criticisms, the project
would not have been complete.
Last but not the least, I wish to thank my parents and the almighty for their help and
constant support through various means.
I also hope that I will be provided with similar opportunities to work on such other
interesting topics in the future.


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Introduction

NGOs are Non-Governmental Organizations are usually referred for organizations which are
not part of government though could be funded by the government. The primary objective of
these organizations is public service. As per one estimate, there are more than 3.3 million
NGOs in India in 2009. In India, for an entity to become an NGO, it has to register either as a
Trust, Society or a private limited non-profit company, under section-25 Company of the
Indian Companies Act, 1956.
Environmental NGOs typically take up causes related to the environment such Climate
Change, Air Pollution, Deforestation, Ozone Layer Depletion, Waste Management,
Biodiversity and Land Use, Energy, Conservation, Environmental degradation, Land
Degradation Some of the Prominent examples of Environmental NGO working in India are
Greenpeace India, Awaaz Foundation, Centre for Science and Environment, Goa Foundation,
CERE India, Conserve, Foundation For Ecological Security, Exnora International, Goa
Foundation, WWF India and Winrock International India.
India is the worlds second most populated country in the world with a population of 1.21
Billion (2011), and is also of the fastest emerging economies of the world growing at 6.9 %
GDP (estimated) for 2011-12. Large population base and high growth rate of the economy
has created challenges and issue at the environmental front, particularly related to Air and
water Pollution, deforestation and depletion of natural resources at fast pace. India has to take
immediate action to slow and reverse the environment degradation. India has to work on
Environmental sustainability. As per the World Commission on Environment and
Development, sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (1987).
There is a growing coordination between UN agencies and NGOs in all areas such as policy
making, human rights, peace and disarmament, environmental Issues. It also discussed
overall environmental activities carried out by International and National NGOs.
Though social development has emerged as a very important sector in 21st century there are
no institutionalized mechanisms of collaboration of the Government and NGOs. The need of
the hour is to evolve long term, sustainable and institutionalized collaboration between the
Government and NGOs.

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NGOs in any country all over the world including international development agencies seek
collaboration with government and development organizations for the below mentioned
causes:
To access technical or managerial resources;
To gain legitimacy or recognition;
To gain institutional support
To adapt a programme to their area;
To acquire appropriate solutions to development problems;
To enhance peoples participation in government programmes; and
To promote greater accountability and transparency, and
To promote reforms in public services systems.
In initial formation stages NGOs needs governmental resources and linkages for better
organizational services for the needy people. In the later stages, when there is relative
stability of funds and a sufficient pool of experience to draw upon, the NGOs priorities may
change: it may be motivated to make larger scale impacts or inform public policy through its
work. Secondly, the ideology and the quality of leadership strongly influence the motivation
of the agency in working with the government.
Government agencies on the other hand work with NGOs to:
Enhance peoples participation in their programmes;
To extend coverage of programmes to areas and groups that are poorly served by
government staff;
To test and replicate innovative approaches; and
To achieve greater cost effectiveness.
Therefore, behind a NGOs interest in working with the government, or conversely, the
government extending an invitation to NGOs, lays a certain degree of convergence in their
development objectives and certain needs.

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List of NGOs that work in the field of environmental conservation

India has a number of NGOs that work in the field of environmental conservation and
ecology. Here is a comprehensive list:
1. Assam Science Society
They impart environmental education and training through camps for teachers and students
and conduct surveys on environment.

2. AWAAZ foundation
Focus: Air Pollution, Toxic Heavy Metal, Protection of Trees, Noise Pollution. This NGO
compelled Policy change in State of Maharashtra regarding sand mining. Sensitive areas,
Facilitated Infrastructure using alternate technology use of natural & recycled sand.

3. Bombay Natural History Society
Aims to disseminate knowledge of flora and fauna by means of lectures, field trips, literature
and expeditions and, to study wildlife related problems and recommend management plans to
conserve wildlife and its habitat. It conducts field research projects on bird migration and
studies on the movement and population structure of Indian avifauna.

4. Centre for Environmental Education (CEE)
They mainly aim to create environmental awareness in the communities, conduct widespread
environmental education and training programmers through a very vast network. They have a
vast range of publications books, posters, educational packages, bibliographies and
directories.
There is also a large computerized database the Environment Education bank, which has a
collection of more than 800 environment concepts, about 2500 environment related activities
and 100s of case studies.


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5. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
This centre is involved in research, investigative and educational work in the field of
pollution, forest, wildlife, land and water use. Publications: Down to Earth - a fortnightly
environment magazine; Childrens magazine The Gobar Times; books; reports; computer
database; audio visuals, etc.
In 2003, CSE brought forth the issue of higher pesticide residue content in soft drink by cola
giants Pepsi & Coke and also in Bottled water. This led to government forming joint
parliament committee on health and safety. It is also engaged with Bureau of Indian
Standards to put in place a methodology for testing Pesticides. CSE is also involved in
providing Green Rating award to Industries on the basis of their environmental performance.
Successful Green Awards.

6. CPR Environmental Education Centre (C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar
Foundation)
Promotes environmental awareness, to produce and disseminate basic educational and
reference material on environment and to take up environmental projects. It works in the field
of environmental education.

7. Kerala Sastra Sahitiya Parishad
To preserve the environment, to provide alternative models for development and to
popularize science among the people. They have worked in the field of eco-development,
creating awareness about water and energy conservation and encouraging the use of non-
conventional energy sources such as smokeless chulhas, etc. Publications: Quarterly
publications and books.

8. Foundation for Ecological Security
Focus: Conserve ecologically sensitive area, land & water resources. This NGO works with
2208 villages institution across 27 districts across 6 states in protecting 1, 30,000 hectare of
revenue wasteland, degraded grazing lands forest lands.


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9. Kalpavriksh
It is a citizens action group set up to inculcate understanding and concern on environmental
issues, especially among the youth. It also aims to conduct research in environmental
problems, to campaign on environmental issues and to evolve a holistic environmental
perspective. It imparts environmental education in schools and colleges by forming a network
of nature clubs, conducting bird watching expeditions and nature trails and has developed
workbooks for the school level. Their publications include:
The Little Green Book.
Narmada a campaign newsletter.
What is that bird (An illustrated guide)

10. Goa Foundation Environment
Focus: Education, Solid Waste Management, etc. This NGO filed 80 PILs in High Court and
Supreme Court on Environmental reports. It launched a periodical Curry & Rice updating
citizens' environment Report. It was also instrumental in removing plastic litter from Goan
Environment. Furthermore, it is a part of Goa State Coastal Zone Mgmt. Authority and
Supreme Court monitoring committee on Hazardous wastes

11. Narmada Bachao Andalon
Set up in 1986 under the leadership of Medha Patkar. It aims mainly to educate those directly
affected by large development projects, such as tribals, on the social and environmental
impact of such projects. To protest against the construction of dams in the Narmada Valley in
general; struggling towards a right to information and new environmentally sustainable water
policy. To help the tribals get a substantial share of the governments development
schemes/services and to enable them to undertake development activities themselves. They
mainly educate, mobilize and organize residents of the Narmada Valley on human rights and
justice, alternative development policies, environmental issues related to big dams in general
and the Narmada project in particular. They undertake surveys of the affected villages,
protest against land and forest issues and government interference in this regard. They are
fighting against displacement and disregard of the rights of the people.


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12. CERE India Environment
Focus: Education, Awareness and Advocacy. CERE is commissioned by organizations such
as Tata power, TCS, Hindustan Lever, IndusInd Bank map carbon footprint & help cap
carbon emissions. Conducted lecturers & workshops in many orgs such as ISB, Oberoi Hotel,
Danik Jagran, Aga Khan Society.

13. World Wide Fund for Nature
Its main aim is the promotion of conservation of nature and environmental protection as the
basis for sustainable and equitable development. Publications: They have innumerable books,
cassettes and data on various issues which can be got from their outlets in the cities.
It is also working actively to conserve critical regions such as Bharatpur, Sunderbans, Tiger
reserves; Established Centre for Environment Law (CEL) -involved in policy analysis,
campaigning, legal Intervention in Environmental Laws

14. EXNORA International
Focus: Preserving Nature, Presenting Environment degradation, Waste Mgmt. Formed
Community Based Organization across India. There are 5000 civic exnoras in India targeting
30000 streets and settlements to clean the streets and environment;

15. Greenpeace India
Focus: Climate Change, Toxic Waste, Nuclear Safety, Overfishing Protection, Environment
degradation etc. Pushed the Indian Government for Unlimited Liability of Supplier, which
led to the increase in liability of suppliers from 5 Billion to 15 Billion in the Nuclear Liability
Bill. In 2008, Greenpeace organized the meeting of major electronic manufacture on e-waste
which leads to the ball rolling for a formal law governing e-waste. It also exposed presence &
sale of Genetically Engineered food in the country leading to investigation by Director
General of Foreign Trade.


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16. Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT)
FRLHT is a pioneering knowledge institute with a vision to revitalize the Indian Medical
Heritage. Its Mission is to demonstrate contemporary relevance of Indian Medical Heritage
by designing and implementing innovative programme on a size and scale that will have
societal impact. The three thrust areas of FRLHTs work are:
Conservation of natural resources used by Indian Systems of Medicine
Demonstrate the contemporary relevance of traditional knowledge
Revitalizations of social processes for transmission of heritage

FRLHT has been pioneering in endogenous research, training and development processes
related to traditional health sciences. It has built up a reputation in this field and has started
collaborative activities with other research and development centers in the country including
the Government. The main objective of the CAPTURED programme is to build capacities for
the transformation of Universities and Research centers in South by integration of formation,
trans-disciplinary research and social interaction with local healers and indigenous
communities, considering the revitalization of local knowledge and wisdom of the indigenous
people in dialogue with the knowledge of western sciences. It also envisage to systematically
elaborate concepts, theories, methodologies and techniques for trans-disciplinary doctoral
research including the development of a curriculum on inter-cultural science and applications
of research to support endogenous development in rural communities.

17. Winrock International India
This NGO is a member on Expert committee on Clean development Mechanism, constituted
by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy. It is involved in CDM Project Facilitation &
capacity building, facilitation of numerous projects such as 10.2 MW wind farm project
under CDM with UNFCCC. It is also involved in Integrated Rain water harvesting in Almora
District. Created The Nilgiri declaration on Hill Water resource Management.
18.Tata Energy and Research Institute (TERI),
TERI is established in 1974 as independent not-for-profit research institute. Its mission is to
develop and promote technologies, policies and institutions for efficient and sustainable use
of natural resources. It has been imparting environmental education through projects,

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workshops, audio visual aids and quiz competitions. It deals with policy related work in the
energy sector, research on environmental subjects development on renewable energy
technologies and promotion of energy efficiency in the industry and transport.
19. Earth watch
Earth Watch supports scientific field research related to sustainable development conducted
by leading scientists in a broad range of disciplines, from habitat management to health care.
Earth watch's Research Program provides vital support where funding is typically limited, to
scientists from developing countries, women in science, and long-term monitoring projects.
20. WWF (India)
WWF is engaged in a multitude of activities for protection and conservation of the
environment in the Indian context. Climate change and energy conservation are among the
chief areas of concern for the organisation. The forest and biodiversity conservation division
strives to promote and enhance conservation of forest ecosystems in the country through a
participatory approach involving key stakeholders. Through its environment education
programme, it aims at strengthening individual and institutional capacity in nature
conservation and environmental protection through widespread education and awareness.
21. Sulabh International
The Sulabh International Social Service Organisation founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak in
the year 1970, is the largest nationally and internationally recognised pan-India social service
outfit with 60,000 volunteers on the rolls who work to promote human rights, environmental
sanitation, health and hygiene, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and
social reforms through education, training and awareness campaign.
It has developed a scavenging-free two-pit pour-flush toilet (Sulabh Shauchalaya) safe and
hygienic on-site human waste disposal technology; a new concept of maintenance and
construction of pay- and use public toilets, popularly known as Sulabh Complexes with bath,
laundry and urinal facilities being used by about ten million people every day and generation
of biogas and bio-fertiliser produced from excreta-based plants, low maintenance waste water
treatment plants of medium capacity for institutions and industries. The United Nations
Centre for Human Settlements has recognised Sulabhs cost-effective and appropriate
sanitation system as a global Urban Best Practice at the Habitat-II conference held at
Istanbul (Turkey), in June, 1996.


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Role of NGOS in Protection for the Environment in India

The NGOs constitute a worldwide net work interacting with Governments and Internal
intergovernmental organization in shaping international environmental policies;-
Creating awareness among the public on current environmental issues and solutions.
Facilitating the participation of various categories of stakeholders in the discussion on
environmental issues.
Conducting participatory rural appraisal.
Being involved in the protection of human rights to have a clean environment.
Protecting the natural resources and entrusting the equitable use of resources.
Data generation on natural resources, time line history of villages.
Analysis and monitoring of environmental quality.
Transferring information through newsletters, brochures, articles, audio visuals, etc.
Organizing seminars, lectures and group discussion for promotion of environmental
awareness.
Helping the villages administrative officials in preparation, application and execution
of projects on environmental protection.


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Tools used by NGO - PIL and RTI


PIL Public Interest Litigation is considered one of the potent tools, increasingly used by the
NGO to enforce Environmental Laws, or bring about changes or modification in Laws
concerned with the Environmental Issues. PIL is the Indian context means any litigation
which is used for the protection of public interest. The rise of public interest litigation has to
do with increased judicial activism in last few decades. PIL will not be able to provide
satisfactory or the best solution in all the cases. Sometimes, the PIL route can slow the
process of resolution of the problem. Though , courts welcome genuine litigation but there
are several cases of frivolous litigation put up in the court to meet self-interests, or settle
personal score. PIL has become a preferred weapon of choice in the fight for environmental
sustainability. For instance, a filling of PIL by Tapas NGO in Delhi High Court led to the ban
of Plastic ban in the Delhi from January 2009. The positive impact was the emergence of
biodegradable and Jute bags which helped in bring desired green change in Delhi. The NGO
made a huge effort to sensitize the general public about use of plastic bags. They put 20000
poster and organized protests at Jantar Mantar to mobilize public for banning of plastic bags.

RTI Right to Information Act 2005 (RTI) provides power in the hands of the ordinary
citizens and NGOs to extract Information from a Public Authority (Government
Departments).This acts empowers the ENGOs to seek relevant information such as
Information on Laws and Government Regulations, actions taken by the Government bodies
with regards to Environment aspect and others. This helps the ENGOs create awareness in
the general public or society at large about the rights, and if there is any violation of law by
individuals or corporations, this tool can be used as evidence of wrong doing. For Instance, in
June 2010, an NGO run by Rohit Prajapati filed an RTI application with Gujarat State
Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) on their emergency chemical disaster
Management plan. This was very important as there are number of chemical plants and
factories situated in Gujarat, and a chemical disaster can turn very deadly as in the case of
Bhopal Gas Tragedy where more than 30000 people lost their life. Through this process of
RTI, it came to the knowledge of Public that there is no plan in place to tackle these disasters.



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Government and NGO collaboration

The Government is one of the important stakeholder in Environment Issue whether Central
or state governments. ENGOs need to work in coalition with concerned departments such as
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Central and State Pollution Boards and others. ENGO
should collaborate to help greater transparency and accountability, to act as pressure groups
for enforcement of relevant laws, to work for providing solutions for Environment
sustainability, to help in Participation of general public in government programs, to help
provide technical and other assistance, and to act as watch dog to ensure things are being
implemented in kind and spirit. Both Government and ENGO should join hands for create
safe and green future for the country. For Instance, In May 1992, MoEF have constituted a
NGO cell to strengthen existing and new NGOs. The cell also acts a single window counter
for all NGO related activities being carried out at different division of the Ministry.

It is here that the state of West Bengal outdid the rest. The West Bengal Pollution control
Board has empanelled 223 NGOs for promoting environmental cause in state of Bengal.
Also, the state government rope in NGOs for providing consultation on environment
awareness programs.

The Benefits of Network Membership

When the effective partnership or networks exists between the GO-NGO and the donor
agencies, there will be fruitful benefits for the both sides. The most commonly cited benefits
for network members are:

a) Access to information
Effective network or partnership will facilitate the tremendous needy recourse information to
NGO. Information is the key for social transformation. Especially in networking
organizations, diverse information will be available on different issues regarding finance,
functions and other relating to the social development.

b) Expertise

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Collaboration is itself platform for diverse knowledge on social development. NGO network
or GO-NGO networks provides professional knowledge and expertise to NGO. This will help
to NGOs to change as the professional organizations.

c) Financial Resources
NGOs will get tremendous accessibilities to financial resources through the effective
networks. Most NGOs attach greatly to their independence from government. They see
themselves as voluntary organizations for social development. Affiliation with the
government and other developmental agencies is the final end for NGOs to get financial
assistance.

d) Increased efficiency
These kinds of networks enhance the NGOs efficiency in the global competitive
development sector. NGOs need to maintain continuity in increased efficiency. Efficient
NGOs will exist in the competitive development world and the competency will come
through the collaborations with different developmental organizations.

e) Increases Impact Availability
Networking some of organizations with government and donor agencies is the key for the
effective functions of the organizations. Networks or collaborations increase the impact
availability to member organizations in the network or partnership.

f) Solidarity and Support
NGOs will get the solidarity and support of the members and other developmental
organizations. In the present development circumstances solidarity is the big asset for any
NGO. Solidarity is a main concept for speedy activities of the organization. But support even
could be obtained from people. Here solidarity can be obtained from partners and other
collaborators.


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Industry and NGO Collaboration

Industries and corporations play an important role in the growth and development of any
country. But, Industrial houses, Construction and Infrastructure companies, and those
involved in mining, chemicals and fertilizers, paper and pulp, leather, steel and cement, have
caused huge negative environmental impact. Un-relented construction and Mining in Eco-
Sensitive areas, water and air pollution, deforestation, and toxic wastes have added burden on
the environment sustainability. There are number of Government laws and regulation in place
for regulating and eradicating environment degradation, but despite these, the rules are
flouted by the Factories and corporations for short term gains. For this very reason, apart
from that action taken by the government and Courts (sue moto) to enforce these laws, the
Role of ENGO is very critical.

There is growing realization among the corporations and ENGOs to work together for meet
the larger objective of creating Environment friendly and sustainable products in the Market.
There are growing number of companies in India who are engaging in a strategic dialogue
witch ENGOs on matters of Product development, processes, project management, promotion
and recyclability. There is also growing partnership between Corporate and ENGOs on the
matter of Corporate Social Responsibility. To ENGOs acts an arm for the business to achieve
their corporate social responsibility. For Instance, to address the community waste, PepsiCo
has partnered by NGO Exnora to create replicable model across the cities such as Chennai,
Panipat, Cuddalore and others to address the community waste.


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Conclusion

The cost of the Environmental pollution is not hard to grasp, whereas the answer to ending
environmental pollution is not easy to come by. It is an unending complex and intricate
debate; however attempts can always be made to find out solution to explicit problems
keeping in view the technological solutions legal parameters and judicial pronouncements.
The role of NGOs has a very important to protection of environment through social services.
The NGOs from past decades have witnessed the difficult problems encountered in
providing health care services to our poor people; spread the awareness to public protection
of wildlife, forest, human right, Women and Children etc.

Rather than depend on the government and NGOs, it is my personal opinion that individuals
should strive for achieving an eco-friendly way of life. If each family or each industry strives
to reduce or eradicate their own carbon footprint, the world shall serve to stay enriched for
generations to come.
The world exists on a coordination of ecosystems that act as check and balance to each other.
The moment one is destroyed due to one kind of effluence then there is a direct impact on the
others. Controlling one type of pollution is not enough. True development shall be achieved
when not only the needs and requirements of the current generation are met, but also the
sustenance of the future generations is ensured.


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BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.cere-india.org/
http://www.exnora.org
http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/About_Awaaz_Foundation.html
http://fes.org.in/