OWSA Staff

As India’s financial and material aid begins to flow into rebuilding efforts across Sri Lanka, the focus has gradually shifted from emergency response to sustainable reconstruction and resilience building.

Experts warn that without addressing underlying causes – including deforestation, corridor fragmentation and climate pressures – human–wildlife conflict will continue to strain India’s conservation gains. Conservation advocates argue that coexistence frameworks must align ecological priorities with local needs, fostering safe practices while safeguarding biodiversity.

Critics from environmental organisations and civil society have described the current legal interpretation as a “simplification that fails to respect the Aravallis’ complex ecology”, warning that it could gradually weaken the shield that the mountain system provides against desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss.

Long-term climate risk, particularly heat exposure, also carries socio-economic consequences, threatening jobs, livelihoods and economic growth if unchecked.

At the heart of the reform is a graded penalty structure designed to deter non-compliance. According to provisions in the bill, institutions found violating regulatory standards could face fines starting at ₹10 lakh.

The minister said that the government is also pursuing new free trade agreements and working to improve the utilisation of existing FTAs.

The financing will advance initiatives under India’s national flagship programmes in skilling and rooftop solar deployment along with projects supporting healthcare, metro development and ecotourism promotion across three states.

While official forecasts have suggested potential weather shifts that could help disperse pollutants, scientists caution that air quality may remain poor in the coming days without sustained reductions in emissions.