ROLE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs) IN ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

At the beginning of the 21st century environmental issues have emerged as a major concern for the welfare of people. In India, the concept of environment protection can be seen starting from the period of Vedas. Today we come across various non-governmental organizations whose concerns are focused on various areas such as social issues, health issues, and environmental issues. There are large number of NGOs in India and other countries that are exclusively working for environmental, protection, conservation, and awareness. The number of these non-governmental organizations which are actively involved in environmental protection in our country is, in fact, more than in any of the developing country. These organizations extend beyond their own community and can reach places where Governmental agencies cannot sometimes reach. Though, recent years have seen a proliferation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a mission to help in redressing various social and environmental problems, the effectiveness of these organizations in carrying out their stated goals is rarely assessed or critically examined. NGOs can sensitize policy makers about the local needs and priorities. They can often intimate the policy makers about the interests of both the poor and the ecosystem as a whole. In providing training facilities, both at community and government levels, NGOs can play a significant role. They can also contribute significantly by undertaking research and publication on environment and development related issues. It is necessary to support and encourage genuine, small, local level NGOs in different parts of the country which can provide much needed institutional support specific to the local needs.