Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
2. From the Indian perspective, discuss the relevance of ‘no harm rule’ in order to promote environmental and developmental policies while not causing damage to the environment of neighbouring countries or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
With the devastating effects of climate change visible, riparian states across the world must comply with all the procedural duties pursuant to the ‘no harm rule’
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the relevance of ‘no harm rule’ to promote environmental policies and preventing damage.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining ‘no harm rule’
Body:
First, write about the aims and features of the ‘no harm rule’.
Next, write about the ways ‘no harm rule’ has resulted in a country’s sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental and developmental policies, and the responsibility to ensure that activities within their jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction.
Next, write about limitations of the ‘no harm rule’.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward in order to deal with the present changes.
