OVERVIEW economic growth, it is now widely recognised, creates environmental problems. This nexus needs environmental management built on two principles. The balance principle and the precautionary principle. So the state, while promoting growth, must use its regulatory and fiscal powers in the cause of environmental harmony. And, the second principle demands that this balancing action be taken before the environmental damage begins and not after.

But try telling that to the Indian state. Among a host of environmental misdemeanours