23 May 2025: The Hindu Editorial Analysis

Leveraging International Law:

• India can use conventions such as the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (ICSFT) and the SAARC Convention.

• These conventions require signatories to criminalize and prevent terror funding.

Precedents and Legal Tools:

• India can follow the path taken by Ukraine vs Russia case before the ICJ using compromissory clauses in such treaties.

• India had used a legal route in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case earlier, proving its diplomatic intent via legal measures.

Current Limitations and Strategic Adjustments:

• Pakistan has a reservation to ICSFT and may evade ICJ jurisdiction.

• India has its own reservation under the Terrorist Bombing Convention, which it must withdraw for action.

Way Forward:

• India should build solid, irrefutable evidence and prepare diplomatically and legally.

• Legal action—even if symbolic—will help create global pressure and a legal narrative against Pakistan.

Role of Urban Forests:

• Mitigate urban heat island effects, reduce air pollution (PM 2.5 & PM 10), absorb stormwater runoff, and support biodiversity.

• Essential for urban mental health, recreation, and climate resilience.

Policy Measures and Legal Interventions:

• Supported under National Forest Policy 1988, Green India Mission 2014, Smart Cities Mission.

• Judicial interventions such as the Godavarman case, Delhi Ridge protection, and SC stay on Aarey tree felling show legal safeguards.

Nagar Van Yojana (2020):

• Aims to develop 1,000 urban forests by 2027, 1,445 sq. km. of green cover added as per India State of Forest Report 2023.

Concerns:

• Rapid infrastructure development and encroachments pose a threat.

• Citizen awareness and legal activism crucial in resisting ecological damage.

Way Forward:

• Integrate environmental impact assessments in urban planning.

• Enforce judicial guidelines, increase urban green budgeting, and expand Nagar Van Yojana.