<p>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said there is a challenge for the government when choosing between democracy and environment.</p>.<p>Citing the implementation of the Madhav Gadgil report, he said ordinary people regard democracy as construction of homes, schools and hospitals, while environment is a larger issue.</p>.<p>The issues could be addressed if people are convinced, but since it is not the case, it leaves politicians with little choice. This cost the Congress a seat, Tharoor said.</p>.<p>The MP spoke to citizens at a consultation event organised by the AICC to gather people’s opinion for the Congress’ 2019 election manifesto.</p>.<p>While citizen activists attending the meeting wanted measures to improve the urban ecology, wildlife enthusiasts urged the party to take measures to protect the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Western Ghats.</p>.<p>Tharoor said the Congress was creating a manifesto covering 20 odd areas like education, national security and foreign policy. He was given subjects — culture, media’s fear of expression and liberty, and environment.</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><span class="bold">Environment curriculum</span></p>.<p>To a suggestion, Tharoor said the idea to create an environment curriculum was a welcome idea. Since 90% of the education is under the state’s control, he said the Centre can set an example by incorporating environment curriculum through the CBSE.</p>.<p>Citizens faulted the Congress government for environmental degradation, saying the party’s pro-industry policies ruined the environment. They said the Congress dismantled the committee of disinvestment set up<br />by the BJP government, asking the grand old party to take cognizance of its previous mistakes.</p>.<p>They wanted the Congress to form a national water policy, manage dust pollution, implement the 74th amendment, cease to use fossil fuel for energy, address climate change, amend the transportation economic model and implement solid waste management.</p>
<p>Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said there is a challenge for the government when choosing between democracy and environment.</p>.<p>Citing the implementation of the Madhav Gadgil report, he said ordinary people regard democracy as construction of homes, schools and hospitals, while environment is a larger issue.</p>.<p>The issues could be addressed if people are convinced, but since it is not the case, it leaves politicians with little choice. This cost the Congress a seat, Tharoor said.</p>.<p>The MP spoke to citizens at a consultation event organised by the AICC to gather people’s opinion for the Congress’ 2019 election manifesto.</p>.<p>While citizen activists attending the meeting wanted measures to improve the urban ecology, wildlife enthusiasts urged the party to take measures to protect the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and Western Ghats.</p>.<p>Tharoor said the Congress was creating a manifesto covering 20 odd areas like education, national security and foreign policy. He was given subjects — culture, media’s fear of expression and liberty, and environment.</p>.<p class="CrossHead"><span class="bold">Environment curriculum</span></p>.<p>To a suggestion, Tharoor said the idea to create an environment curriculum was a welcome idea. Since 90% of the education is under the state’s control, he said the Centre can set an example by incorporating environment curriculum through the CBSE.</p>.<p>Citizens faulted the Congress government for environmental degradation, saying the party’s pro-industry policies ruined the environment. They said the Congress dismantled the committee of disinvestment set up<br />by the BJP government, asking the grand old party to take cognizance of its previous mistakes.</p>.<p>They wanted the Congress to form a national water policy, manage dust pollution, implement the 74th amendment, cease to use fossil fuel for energy, address climate change, amend the transportation economic model and implement solid waste management.</p>
