No leader with an 'ecological dream': Environmentalist

There is no leader with an alternative dream, environmentalist Shekhar Pathak said today as he criticized politicians for not giving much attention to ecological issues in their agenda.
"Be it Obama, Manmohan Singh or Narendra Modi, they all have no alternative dream. They are all focused on policies for looting natural resources.
"Ahead of elections, two-three political parties have been speaking the same language which gives an impression that a corporate agent is speaking," Pathak said during a panel discussion at the Jaipur Literature Festival here.
Stressing on the need for redefining development in view of prevailing environment-related issues and threats, Pathak said, "Bhutan gave a new and a good concept of Gross National Happiness which is alternative to GDP and now its high time for us to have a fresh look at GDP."

"We need to analyse what the method of GDP has delivered and what changes are needed to make," he said.
Pathak along with environment scientist Suman Sahai was in conversation with Pakistan-based environment activist Ahmad Rafay Alam on 'Blue Planet, Green Earth' during which the trio discussed issues of environment including climate change.

Sahai said the society has created a condition which is "killing monsoon and disturbing ecology".
He stressed on the need for some serious steps to ensure that the next generation is not deprived of their entitlement with regard to nature.
They said there was a need for intelligent usage of resources. "Everything required for our sustenance is coming from hinterland today."

The panelists also stress on equitable share of resources for preventing any situation like Naxalism from arising and spreading in the country.
Alam also shared his views on environment issues in Pakistan.