The Union government-appointed High Level Committee (HLC) headed by former Cabinet Secretary, T.S.R. Subramanian to review
environmental laws, while proposing a near complete overhaul of the
regulatory system, has however struck a cautious note when it comes to the issue of introduction of introduction of Genetically Modified food crops, and stated that the role of the Environment Ministry may have to be one of being a 'Devil’s Advocate to advise due caution'.
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| (File Photo: T.S.R Subramanian) |
In a report submitted recently to the Government on its review of six laws, the High Level Committee headed
by former Cabinet Secretary T.S.R. Subramanian, said the potential
consequences of mindless use of science and technology could possibly be
illustrated by referring to the potential for medium/ long-term adverse
affects through unprepared introduction of GM food crops.
It said that Europe does not permit field trials, and that the average
Indian farm is of very small size (which could lead to severe adverse
impact on biodiversity through gene-flow) and also noted that there are
no independent expert agencies in the country, and perhaps the Ministry
of Environment may ask for greater assurance in respect of potential
adverse effects in the medium and long run.
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