Rule of Law? Really?
Its fashionable to begin articles these days with a disclaimer (it makes one appear more profound), so let me confess too. I am no…
<table> <tbody> <tr> <td>The author retired from the IAS in December 2010. A keen environmentalist and trekker he has published a book on high altitude trekking in the Himachal Himalayas: THE TRAILS LESS TRAVELLED. His second book- SPECTRE OF CHOOR DHAR is a collection of short stories based in Himachal and was published in July 2019. His third book was released in August 2020: POLYTICKS, DEMOCKRAZY AND MUMBO JUMBO is a compilation of satirical and humorous articles on the state of our nation. His fourth book was published on 6th July 2021. Titled INDIA: THE WASTED YEARS , the book is a chronicle of missed opportunities in the last nine years. Shukla's fifth book - THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER'S DOG AND OTHER COLLEAGUES- was released on 12th September 2023. It portrays the lighter side of life in the IAS and in Himachal. He writes for various publications and websites on the environment, governance and social issues. He divides his time between Delhi and his cottage in a small village above Shimla. He blogs at http://avayshukla.blogspot.in/</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Its fashionable to begin articles these days with a disclaimer (it makes one appear more profound), so let me confess too. I am no…
This is the century of Private Capital. While governments involve themselves in waging wars and making life as difficult as possible for their citizens…
In his first 100 days Mr. Modi has made considerable progress in redeeming most of these promises – ambitious targets have been set and are being monitored by the PMO itself, crucial policy decisions are being taken on a daily basis which have brought the economy on a positive growth path again, our foreign policy has been infused with a new and refreshing robustness and virility, no taint of any malfeasance has been detected so far and the bureaucracy has been brought to heel. No mean achievement in a country where the first 100 days of any government usually consist of nothing else but the division of the loaves of office.
I have for some time been convinced that Moses (of Old Testament fame) was THE original bureaucrat. The anecdotal evidence is pretty convincing. He…
It is a cruel irony of history that the Jewish government in Israel is doing to the Muslim residents of Gaza exactly what the…
Mr. Modi had promised us a strong and decisive government and it is heartening to observe that he is living up to the promise….
New Delhi – From being the centre of Mughal culture, British imperialism and old world gentility it has now become some kind of smorgasbord of the worst qualities of its neighbouring states, the arrogance of power, the corrupting influence of money, and the unruliness of millions of migrants who have no stakes in the city.
During his election campaign and even after assuming office Mr. Modi has spoken about establishing a Council of Himalayan States to evolve a more specific planning model for them so that their environmental concerns could be addressed.
So Mr. Modi’s announcement was certainly no charity for the Himalayan states. But the Finance Minister made no mention of this Council in his budget.
In every other area of governance Mr. Modi has shown that he possesses the vision, integrity, leadership qualities, decision making ability, courage, connect with the people and self belief which alone can deliver a better (in every sense) life to all Indians.
It is now time for him to demonstrate these same qualities in the cause of preserving the country’s natural wealth, ecology and environment.Mr Modi And The Environment – A Green Vision Or A Grey Area?
It is quite evident that the Larji project has not been following the prescribed safety and environmental protocols that its licence imposes on it, and that the practices it does follow are harmful and damaging to the environment and the residents of that area.