Ten-Point Charter Urges ‘Mountain Protection Act’; Calls for Legal Framework Within One Year
Key Points:
- Jamshedpur Declaration adopted on May 23 after two-day marathon conference at Sakchi
- Ten-point charter commits to legal framework for mountain and river ecosystem protection
- Governments urged to introduce ‘Mountain Protection Act’ in Parliament and state assemblies
JAMSHEDPUR — The National River-Mountain Conference, held on May 22 and 23 at the Motilal Nehru Public School auditorium in Sakchi, concluded with the formal release of the Jamshedpur Declaration on Saturday. The conference was jointly organised by Tarun Bharat Sangh, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Jal Biradari, Yuganthar Bharati, Nature Foundation, Subarnarekha Kshetra Vikas Trust, and Mission Y.
The declaration was adopted after two days of marathon deliberations by representatives of all the organising bodies and conference delegates. It reaffirms their commitment to the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of India’s mountain and river ecosystems.
The declaration contains ten points in all. The first point acknowledges that mountain ecosystems are critically important for water security, river rejuvenation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of crores of people.
The second point commits signatories to protecting the mountain catchment areas and water sources that nourish rivers and groundwater reserves. Meanwhile, the third point recognises tribal and local mountain communities as the primary custodians of mountain ecosystems, and pledges respect for their traditional knowledge in the management of these ecosystems.
The fourth point commits the signatories to developing a comprehensive, ecosystem-based, and rights-respecting legal framework for the long-term regulation of activities affecting mountain areas. In addition, the fifth point commits to establishing institutional arrangements to ensure the rights of rivers and mountains and to ensure their good governance.
The sixth point resolves to hold nationwide consultations for preparing a legal framework for India’s mountain ecosystems. The seventh point sets a firm deadline, committing to the preparation of a draft legal framework within one year of the date of this declaration.
The eighth point urges civil society organisations, academics, environmental scientists, social scientists, legal experts, tribal community leaders, and other stakeholders to cooperate in building the legal framework. On the other hand, the ninth point appeals to state governments and the Government of India to consider the developed legal framework and introduce it as a “Mountain Protection Act” bill before the relevant state assemblies as well as the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for passage.
The tenth and final point dedicates all signatories to the effective implementation of the declaration they have adopted.
The declaration comes against the backdrop of growing concern over the degradation of mountain ecosystems across India. The extraction of natural resources from mountain and forested regions has been a contentious issue, with conservationists arguing that existing laws are inadequate or poorly enforced. The conference was chaired by Magsaysay Award-winning water conservationist Rajendra Singh, who has committed himself fully to the campaign for the proposed law. Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy also attended and addressed the conference as chief guest.
