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

They have played a major role in enhancing public participation

1. Interest articulation: via bringing demands of people to govt. Eg Narmada Bachao Andolan.
2. Political socialization telling people about the political processes. Eg Aarey group using petitions.
3. Generate more interest among the people via education.
4. Improve responsiveness by holding govt accountable. Eg Greenpeace reports.
5. Help to improve the arena of democratization via acting as people's right emancipation.

However, there are certain challenges

1. Adoption of undemocratic means like strikes, lockouts.
2. Political tools in hands of certain vested interests.
3. Selfish propagandas many times without heed to environmental needs. Eg: Alleged against Wildlife Factor group.
4. Challenge the government despite not being responsible to people → against Constitutional morality.

Way Ahead

1. Need to carefully carve their space in modern polity → limit to public interest test.