National Seminar on Human Rights and Environmental Issues

The Amity University in Noida, Uttar Pradesh organized a two-day Seminar on "Human Rights and Related Environmental Issues" on January 24 & 25, 2007. In his speech at the Seminar, Shri P.C. Sharma, Member, NHRC emphasized the need for sustainable development which does not ignore the basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, health and education. Referring to the development in science and technology, he said the culture of consumerism has also created environment problems. The Member highlighted the Commission's role in keeping a watchful eye on the problem of pollution; rehabilitation of people displaced by mega projects and related issues. He cited the epoch making judgment of the Supreme Court in Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra Vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (1985) and said since then, there have been a series of case laws which have made protection and improvement of environment under Article 48 (A) of the Constitution and clubbing them with provision of Right to Life in Article 21. Member Shri P.C. Sharma said the Commission looks at every aspect of environmental degradation with Human Rights perspective. He said it is high time that any development measure should take into account the wider perspective of environmental protection so that Human Rights are not violated and we can give a better future to our future generations.