India and Sri Lanka Called to Lead Environmental Legal Reforms
In a significant address at the 5th International Conference on Environmental Law in Colombo, Supreme Court Judge Justice B.V. Nagarathna stressed the urgent need for India and Sri Lanka to champion regional environmental constitutionalism. She highlighted the shared ecological crises in South Asia and advocated for a unified legal framework to ensure sustainable development and climate resilience.
Why Environmental Constitutionalism Matters
Justice Nagarathna emphasized that while both nations have strong constitutional protections—such as India’s Article 21 (Right to Life) and Sri Lanka’s Article 27(14) (Environmental Protection Duty)—a regional approach is critical to addressing transboundary environmental harm.
“Environmental degradation knows no borders,” she said. “Deforestation in Sri Lanka affects rainfall in Tamil Nadu, and Ganges pollution impacts Bay of Bengal marine life. Our laws must reflect this interconnectedness.”
4 Key Reasons India & Sri Lanka Must Take the Lead
- Shared Ecosystems – The Palk Strait, Gulf of Mannar, and Indian Ocean require joint oversight to combat illegal fishing, pollution, and coral reef damage.
- Climate Vulnerability – Both nations face cyclones, rising seas, and erratic monsoons, necessitating collaborative disaster policies.
- Strong Legal Precedents – India’s M.C. Mehta cases and Sri Lanka’s environmental rulings set benchmarks for South Asia.
- Economic Integration – Projects like the India-Sri Lanka power grid demand harmonized environmental impact assessments.
Proposed Regional Solutions
Justice Nagarathna outlined a three-step framework:
- South Asian Environmental Charter – A SAARC-wide treaty (similar to the EU Green Deal) enforcing common eco-standards.
- Cross-Border Environmental Courts – Special tribunals to resolve disputes like industrial pollution or wildlife trafficking.
- Transnational Public Interest Litigation (PIL) – Letting citizens file PILs across borders for environmental justice.
Challenges & Opportunities
Despite potential hurdles—political tensions, bureaucracy, and economic pressures—Justice Nagarathna remains hopeful. She cited India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) as a replicable model.
Global & Regional Reactions
- Erik Solheim (Ex-UNEP Chief): “A necessary evolution for a climate-threatened region.”
- Civil Society Groups are pushing both governments to begin formal discussions.
The Time to Act is Now
With climate disasters escalating, a united legal strategy is vital. Will India and Sri Lanka seize this opportunity?
— Reporting for NextMinuteNews, [Your Name]
