Environment Support Group©

Working since 1996 and formally established in 1998, Environment Support Group (ESG) is an independent non-profit non-governmental organisation, registered under the Indian Trusts Act. ESG believes in promoting a pattern of development that is socially just, economically viable, ecologically sustainable, politically participatory and culturally sensitive.

ESG has worked with a wide range of organisations and coalitions at the local, regional, national and international levels in a variety of collaborations. Collaborations include those with the United Nations Environment Program, World Commission on Dams, Right to Information Network, National Law School of India University, various local Government bodies and, supporting Public Interest Litigations by various community organisations.

A quest for transparency, accountability and technical competence by all parties whether they be citizens, government or corporate bodies and officials underlies this work.

Examples of ESG's work and achievements include:

• Exposing Ernst & Young's plagiarised Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) for Dandeli Dam - plagiarised from an EIA for the Tattihalla Augmentation Scheme - termed by Indian Express as the worst ever scam in environmental decision making history of India.
  
  
• Providing support (legal, research, networking with groups affected by similar projects in the USA) to community groups affected by the Cogentrix thermal power plant planned for the ecologically sensitive Dakshina Kannada region, leading to the cancellation of this project, exposure of corruption, and of lax implementation standards.
  
  
• Supporting (legal, research support) groups affected by the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor (BMIC) project in their quest for public information, public hearings and transparency in the review process for this project; a project fraught with human rights abuses, fraud and flouting of environmental regulations.
  

This is just a sample of ESG's work. ESG is also extensively involved in legal and environmental workshops and education, media campaigns on public interest issues and the international NGO campaign to reform export credit agencies. ESG receives financial support from individuals and foundations, and consists of individuals with qualifications, experience and expertise in Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Law, and Social Science.