Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday described the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak as a “mega environmental negligence.” He noted that even after four decades, families continue to suffer from genetic disorders and groundwater contamination.
Speaking at the valedictory session of the National Conference on Environment-2025 in Delhi, Dhankhar stressed that environmental awareness was lacking at the time of the tragedy. He said the absence of institutions like the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and a strong regulatory framework had worsened the crisis. Had such systems been in place, he argued, the outcome would have been different.
Dhankhar also highlighted India's deep-rooted environmental traditions. “Long before sustainability became a global buzzword, India lived it for centuries. Every banyan tree was a temple, every river a goddess,” he said. He called Vedic literature a "goldmine" for environmental conservation and harmony between man and nature.
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He urged developed nations to think beyond political boundaries and adopt models where planetary health is central to human prosperity. He also called for a shift in human behaviour, stating that “our fiscal power cannot determine the use of natural resources,” and that people must adopt a mindset of optimal consumption.
Stressing the need for environmental ethics, he said, “The planet is not exclusive to us. We are not its owners. Flora and fauna must flourish alongside us.” He added that Ecological Extension and Conservation Ethics promote a harmonious human-nature relationship, which only requires a positive mindset.
Highlighting the role of the NGT, he said, “For me, NGT stands for ‘nurturing green for tomorrow.’ It is an institution that links law, science, and ethics to reshape our relationship with nature.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Supreme Court judge Justice PS Narsimha, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and Environment Secretary Tanmay Kumar.
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