Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate protection and prevention of degradation to environment. Comment with relevant illustrations. (10) (150 words)

Environmental degradation often reflects contradictory policies: economic incentives favour extraction while environmental institutions bear the costs.

• Coal, mining and infrastructure expansion can conflict with forest conservation, wildlife protection and tribal livelihood rights.
• Agricultural subsidies may encourage groundwater depletion and chemical pollution, while water policy seeks sustainability.
• Urban growth and weak land-use planning place transport, real estate and industry against clean air, wetlands and coastal regulation.

• The diversion of forests for projects, river pollution despite statutory regulators, and groundwater stress in green-revolution regions show fragmented governance.
• Environmental impact assessment must be independent, cumulative and participatory rather than a project formality.
• Policy coherence requires polluter-pays enforcement, inter-generational equity, transparent data, empowered local bodies and coordination among ministries.

environmental governance; policy conflict; EIA; sustainable development; polluter pays