However, the difference between the current and the previous governments seems to be about the scope for resistance. “We were going downhill but now we are hurtling down. Streamlining does not mean dilution of policies,” says Parineeta Dandekar of SANDRP. Activists say that unless the Environment Impact Assessment, which is faulty and poor, improves, it will be “burey din” for the environment. As usual, local communities are likely to be impacted the most, and resistance will only grow. At international forums, Javadekar makes a case for leniency towards India as a developing nation and does commit to lesser carbon emissions. However, the indications, as of now, are not concrete or vocal about reducing urban or factory pollution. Contrary to what they had claimed before the elections, Javadekar informed the National Green Tribunal in August that the ministry was not moving forward with the Madhav Gadgil committee report on the conservation of the Western Ghats.