THE flood in Chamoli and the controversy that has followed are reminders that we are running late in figuring out some of the most critical issues pertaining to the environment. As a country we shouldn’t delay any longer. Governments would do well to take a good hard look at themselves and acknowledge that they lack the expertise to take evolved decisions. Regulation is shoddy and often weakened through compromise. Pollution control boards and environment departments are out-of-date and short of talented people. Governments would be better off taking advice from outside officialdom. The development vs. environment. . .
