Urban expansion worsening eco crises, says Ramachandra Guha

The Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10 became the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on India’s environmental legacy as acclaimed historian and environmental thinker Dr Ramachandra Guha launched his latest book, Speaking with Nature: The Origins of Indian Environmentalism.

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Organised by Harper Collins India in collaboration with the Chandigarh Literary Society, the event saw an insightful exchange between Dr Guha and Jyoti Malhotra, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune, delving into India’s ecological past, contemporary challenges, and the role of activism in conservation.

The event began with an inaugural address by Dr Sumita Misra, Chairperson, Chandigarh Literary Society, who highlighted the importance of literature in shaping ecological consciousness. Dr Guha, known for his extensive research on Indian history and ecology, engaged the audience with his deep reflections on India’s environmental struggles. His book explores India’s environmental heritage through key figures and movements, shedding light on grassroots activism and intellectual traditions that have shaped the country’s ecological discourse.

One of the most compelling aspects of Dr Guha’s talk was his argument that environmental thought in India is not a monolithic ideology, but exists in multiple shades — conservative, liberal, radical, and even reactionary. He noted that figures like Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar had vastly different approaches, but were united by their concerns for sustainability and social justice.

The author also discussed the often-overlooked contributions of dissenting scientists, particularly Albert and Gabrielle Howard. While Albert Howard is widely credited for pioneering organic farming based on Indian agricultural practices, his wife Gabrielle Howard’s contributions remain largely unrecognised. This, he

argued, is part of a recurring pattern where women’s contributions in scientific and intellectual movements are undervalued.

The conversation also touched upon historical urban planners like Patrick Geddes, who warned of environmental mismanagement in Indian cities. Guha pointed out that urban expansion today is worsening ecological crises, exacerbating problems like air pollution, groundwater depletion, and deforestation.

On India’s contemporary environmental challenges, he issued a stark warning about the existential threats posed by climate change, air pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. Criticising successive governments, he stated, “No government — whether BJP, Congress, or regional parties — wants to address sustainability because it’s not electorally profitable.” He lamented that politicians and bureaucrats, often generalists, fail to engage domain experts like environmental economists and policy specialists, leading to inertia in addressing these pressing issues.

Dr Guha also tackled the complex relationship between development and environmental degradation, noting that while industrial growth is essential, it must be managed in a way that does not destroy natural ecosystem.

A particularly thought-provoking moment in the discussion came when the historian analysed Mahatma Gandhi’s environmental philosophy. While acknowledging Gandhi’s deep ecological wisdom, he also called for a reassessment of certain ideas, such as the romanticisation of village life. He argued that Gandhi’s warnings about excessive industrialisation and unsustainable economic growth remain profoundly relevant today.

Addressing India’s role in the global environmental crisis, Dr Guha acknowledged the historical responsibility of Western nations in driving climate change. However, he cautioned against using this as an excuse for inaction. “While the West has contributed disproportionately to climate change, problems like groundwater depletion in Bangalore, air pollution in North India, and urban mismanagement are our own making,” he said.

The event concluded with a book-signing session, where attendees had an opportunity to interact with the author. The packed hall and engaged audience reflected the growing interest in environmental discourse among Indian readers.

Dr Guha left the audience with a powerful message — the need to integrate historical wisdom with modern economic planning. However, as a historian, he remains firm in his role, stating, “My job is to present history and analyse, not to prescribe.”