The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday approved a significant legislative move, passing a resolution to extend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act to the state of Manipur. The resolution was adopted through a voice vote, bringing the state, which is currently under President's Rule, under the ambit of this central environmental law.
Opposition Launches Scathing Attack, Demands Elections
However, the parliamentary proceeding transformed into a platform for opposition members to launch a fierce critique of the central government's handling of the prolonged crisis in Manipur. MPs from various opposition parties united in their demand for the immediate restoration of democratic governance through state assembly elections.
TMC MP Sushmita Dev pointedly questioned the necessity of Parliament performing a duty meant for the Manipur legislative assembly. "What we are doing today was meant to be done by the assembly of Manipur," she stated, adding that bringing a water pollution act amendment while people remain in relief camps was "making a mockery" of the grave situation.
Congress MP Neeraj Dangi supported this view, asserting that the resolution had to be presented in Parliament because the situation in Manipur has seen no improvement. He made a serious allegation, claiming that law and order has totally collapsed in the state and criticized the Prime Minister for not visiting Manipur during its time of greatest need.
A State "On a Ventilator": Calls for Democratic Restoration
DMK's P Wilson employed a stark medical metaphor, describing Manipur as being "on a ventilator." He emphasized the urgent need to bring normalcy back by restoring democracy through elections. Wilson argued that this was the only path to rebuild trust-based governance and improve ease of living and doing business in the troubled state.
Government's Defense and Rationale
In his reply to the heated debate, Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav defended the government's position. He informed the House that the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill had already been passed by both Houses of Parliament and adopted by several state assemblies, including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Minister Yadav clarified the practical implications of the extension. "Consent to Operate (CTO) and other provisions, which have already been adopted by other states, are also to be implemented by Manipur," he explained. This move aims to standardize pollution control mechanisms across the country, even in states under central rule.
The parliamentary session highlighted the deep political divide regarding Manipur. While the government pushed forward with a technical legislative extension focused on environmental regulation, the opposition seized the moment to spotlight the larger political and humanitarian crisis, framing the demand for elections as the central solution to instability in the region.
