Green Signals: Ecology, Growth, and Democracy in India

by Jairam Ramesh

The debate on whether to privilege economic growth over ecological security is passé. Environmental considerations must be at the heart of economic growth, especially for a country of 1.25 billion people destined to add another 400 million by the middle of the century. Green Signals chronicles the '1991 moment' in India's environmental decision-making, telling the story of how, for the first time, the doors of the environment ministry were opened to voices, hitherto unheard, into the policy-making process. It details efforts to change the way environment is viewed both by proponents of environmental security and those who prize economic growth at all costs. Told from the perspective of a pivotal decision maker, the book addresses the challenges involved in trying to ensure economic growth with ecological security. It takes us through India's coming of age in the global environmental and climate change community to take on a leadership role that is progressive, proactive, and
steeped in national interest. Using speaking orders on high-profile projects, notes and letters to the Prime Minister, ministerial colleagues, chief ministers and others, Jairam Ramesh gives an insight into the debates, struggles, challenges, and obstacles to bringing environmental considerations into the mainstream of political and economic decision-making. This collection reveals the story of the author's attempt at the highest levels of governance to introduce effective decision-making, a transparent and accountable administration, and to make environmental concerns an essential component of a nation's quest to accelerate economic growth and end the scourge of poverty and deprivation.

Genres: Nonfiction

616 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2015

Reviews

[Mithileshwar Thakur · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Green Signals " is an attempt by veteran congress leader and a party thinktank to explain his controversial decisions during his tenure as Environment Minister .
Uneasy lies the head who wears the crown of an environment minister in any government committed to reforms. So, in all fairness, the task that Jairam Ramesh was entrusted with, was surely unenviable.
Having said that, it is fairly well known that he did not exactly cover himself with glory during his tenure as environment minister. Someone needs to tell the ex-minister that installation of glass door at office does not bring in transparency. It can at best be termed as tokenism if not a mere gimmick. He can also not pat himself on his back for having stakeholders’ consultation, for it is a pre-requisite of public policy making in democracies across the world . So, one cannot expect kudos for merely observing this norm .
Transparency comes with uniformity and consistency in decision-making that should be based on reason, rationale and well defined criterion rather than individual’s whims and fancy . This is where he has been questioned and he has not been able to clear the air or explain the inconsistencies in various decisions . For a man, who enjoyed the reputation of a person with integrity and intellect , this was a sad thing to happen . And , he can only blame himself and his arrogance for creating a perception of anti-reform about him

[Parul Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

One wonderful read.. what exactly a minister should do to protect environment and aim for development.. much more respect for Mr Jairam Ramesh.