With suitable examples, discuss how environmental pressure groups enhance public participation and responsiveness with regard to environmental policies in India. (Answer in 150 words)

Pressure groups refer to a group of individuals organized together to pressure state for favorable policies by staying outside of formal politics (like political parties). Environmental PGs operate in environment-related spheres. Environmental PGs enhancing Public Participation and Responsiveness: (1) Save Silent Valley Movement 1.4 PGs agitated against hydroelectricity projects (2) Chipko Movement 2.1 PGs led by Sunderlal Bahuguna promoted public participation (3) Narmada Bachao Andolan 3.1 PGs led by Medha Patkar etc. encouraged govt. to stop construction Sardar Sarovar dam etc 3.2 It increased government's responsiveness as considerable projects were rejected after exposures by PGs. (4) Dehing Pathai Movement 4.1 PGs by famous personalities like Tayden Byeng (Forest Man) promoted public participation role for protecting sellong Pathai Wildlife Sanctuary However, critics also point out how environmental PGs engage in subjective developmental projects (eg Kudankulam) in name of environment. There should a positive collaboration between environmental PGs & Govt - 1 other CSOs to ensure balance between environment protection & development.