Aditya Thackeray Criticizes Central Governments Environmental Policies Ahead of Earthshot Prize Summit

Mumbai, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Aditya Thackeray, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and former environment minister of Maharashtra, launched a scathing critique of the central government on Thursday. His comments came just ahead of the prestigious Earthshot Prize Summit and Awards in Mumbai.

Thackeray accused the government of manipulating data and feigning concern for the environment while failing to meet citizens’ basic needs for clean air, water, and food. He pointed out that nearly all of the world’s most polluted cities are located in India, raising serious doubts about the central government’s commitment to international climate agreements and domestic governance.

His statements coincide with the ongoing COP-31 climate summit in Turkey, as Mumbai prepares to host the Earthshot Prize and the subsequent Mumbai Climate Week. Thackeray emphasized that the true state of India’s climate standings is concealed due to unreliable data, suggesting that the reality is far worse than official rankings indicate.

He stated that political indifference to the environmental crisis is forcing citizens into protests and, in some cases, compelling them to seek better living conditions elsewhere. Thackeray remarked, “Taxpayers expect basic amenities, yet they are compelled to invest in air and water purification systems and alternative food sources.”

He warned that the deteriorating environment poses not only a public health threat but also an economic crisis. Businesses and organizations are fleeing polluted areas, leading to significant job losses.

Reiterating his long-standing demand, Thackeray proposed the immediate establishment of a Climate Change Council, akin to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council. This body, he argued, should facilitate collaboration between the central and state governments on environmental issues.

He suggested that the Prime Minister should chair this council, which should include forest and environment ministers from all states, along with representatives from central ministries related to urban and rural development, energy, agriculture, industry, and transport.

Thackeray outlined that the council would convene every three months to review verified data, set goals, and assess actual progress. He proposed that state councils, led by respective chief ministers, should also be formed to monitor regional climate action plans.

Recalling his tenure when Maharashtra developed climate action plans for Mumbai and other cities, Thackeray insisted that such initiatives must be transparent and undergo fair audits by internationally recognized independent organizations.

Drawing on his experience leading Maharashtra’s environment and climate change department, he stressed that environmental governance intersects with nearly every government department and is crucial to improving citizens’ quality of life.

Thackeray warned that India stands at a pivotal moment regarding its population and demographic dividend. He urged the government to view climate action as an essential economic and strategic necessity.

He concluded, “Taking timely climate action could present a significant opportunity. Missing this chance could pose substantial risks to social, political, economic, and national security.”