India, March 31 -- Politicians across the spectrum in poll-bound West Bengal stood on the same page with environmentalists, admitting that critical environmental, climate change, and linked health issues do not get enough space and priority in the manifestos of any political party. But they sought to portray developmental challenges as the key reason behind the trend.

Environmentalists and health experts, however, blamed policy failure, lack of political will and prioritisation as well as corruption as the key drivers behind the trend.

On March 28, a group of organisations including The Plurals, the Bengal environment Journalists Platform and non-profit Environment Governed Integrated Organisation organised a meeting called 'Politics me...