Kiran Bedi speaks on Uttarakhand Disaster

Bangalore, June 28: Former IPS officer and Social activist Kiran Bedi blamed the bureaucracy for the lack of sustainable development in Uttarakhand, which led to floods destroying the state and killing hundreds of people, she also claims that its a man-made disaster.

"If Chipko movement had survived, then Uttarakhand would not have faced this disaster, Bedi said. She also said only movements led by people or through Public interest, while effective bureaucrats are very rare and least bothered about the conservation of the environment.

Social activist urged the corporate India to voluntarily contribute 2 per cent of their net profits towards the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, which could lead to a collection of at least $2 billion.

"While there is a proposed bill mandating the 2 per cent of earned income towards CSR, there is a synergy required from the industry as well. The combined net profit from industries in India is Rs 4,37,167 cr per year," and voluntarily the bureaucrats should come forward and think about the protection of such movements in protecting the environment, Bedi said.

Bedi put the responsibility of development on the state bureaucracy and said that civil service was the key to progressive development. "The movement needs to spread with district administrations. They are also to blame for the destruction of environment. They have budgets, they have policy, they just need the courage to say ‘yes' or ‘no' at the right time. Even the police must prepare for disaster management," she said.

Speaking about the rescue efforts in Uttarakhand, Bedi said that the National Disaster Management Authority had not met properly in many years. "Developmental ideas are safer in the hands of industry and communities, instead of the Prime Minister's Office. We must take the lead and not wait for the government's help," she added.

OneIndia News