'The BJP governments in both the states have followed a similar pattern—sideline laws and policy, and to open up buffer zones and allow construction activity... While climate strikes, green parties and green manifestos are gripping the world, environmental concerns are still not an issue in the Indian elections. Two Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states – Haryana and Maharashtra go to polls on October 21. The battle for the 90-member Haryana Assembly and the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly is being fought amid serious environmental degradation in both the states. From the chopping over 2,000 trees in Aarey milk colony and the proposal for opening up of the Aravallis for construction, residents in both the states allege that the BJP governments have not done enough for the environment and have instead benefited corporate interests. With elections around the corner, it is worth revisiting the issues which have guided the environment policy of the states...'