As India is busy with election, one crucial question looms large: why isn’t environmental accountability a priority in political discourse? The answer is multifaceted, reflecting the neglect of politicians, media, and civil society in elevating this critical issue.

Politicians have largely ignored or superficially addressed environmental concerns, failing to articulate detailed policies or initiatives. This neglect mirrors a broader societal apathy toward environmental issues, which are often sidelined in favor of more immediate and sensational topics.

Moreover, our media and civil society have fallen short in their responsibility to elevate environmental issues as key electoral concerns. By not holding politicians accountable on environmental policies, they perpetuate a cycle of neglect and indifference.

The urgency of addressing environmental accountability is underscored by the dismal track record of our governments, across all branches, in tackling environmental challenges. From inadequate legislation to weak enforcement and regulatory oversight, the failures are glaring and demand urgent attention.

The absence of robust environmental agendas from political parties reflects a deeper malaise in our democratic process. While economic and social issues dominate election debates, environmental sustainability often takes a backseat.

Political leaders prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability, neglecting the ecological footprint of development projects and policy decisions. This shortsighted approach perpetuates environmental degradation and undermines the well-being of future generations.

The media’s role in shaping public discourse is critical, yet environmental issues receive limited coverage compared to sensational headlines. Civil society organizations, tasked with advocating for public interests, have also failed to galvanize widespread support for environmental causes.

The lack of public outcry and pressure on politicians to prioritize environmental accountability perpetuates the status quo of neglect and inaction.

Our governance institutions, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary, have struggled to address environmental challenges effectively. Weak enforcement of environmental laws, regulatory loopholes, and inadequate oversight contribute to environmental degradation.

The judiciary’s interventions, though commendable at times, cannot substitute for comprehensive legislative and executive action to prioritize sustainability.

The ongoing election presents an opportunity to shift the narrative and prioritize environmental accountability. Political parties must develop robust environmental agendas, encompassing climate action, pollution control, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Media organizations should elevate environmental issues in their coverage, holding candidates and parties accountable for their environmental policies and commitments.

Civil society must mobilize public awareness and activism around environmental concerns, demanding transparency, accountability, and tangible action from elected representatives.

Ultimately, voters hold the key to driving change. By prioritizing environmental accountability in their electoral choices, citizens can signal to politicians that sustainability is non-negotiable.

It is incumbent upon voters to demand clear and actionable environmental policies from candidates, ensuring that elected representatives prioritize the preservation of our natural resources and the mitigation of environmental risks.

Environmental accountability cannot be an afterthought or a fringe issue in our political discourse. It is a fundamental imperative that affects every aspect of our lives, from air and water quality to public health, economic stability, and the viability of future generations.

As we navigate the complexities of modern governance, let us seize this electoral moment to demand a paradigm shift toward sustainability and ecological stewardship. The time for meaningful action on environmental accountability is now, and our collective future depends on it.