22. Sustainable Development

• Sustainable development in India, especially concerning the environment, represents a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.
• India’s journey toward sustainability is guided by global commitments like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national frameworks like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
• The focus is on ensuring development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Introduction

1. Sustainable development in India refers to fostering economic progress while maintaining ecological balance and ensuring social equity. It seeks to reduce the over-exploitation of natural resources and curb pollution.
2. India, as one of the most populous and rapidly developing nations, faces significant environmental challenges including air and water pollution, desertification, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.
3. The country’s environmental sustainability agenda aims to harmonize human needs with ecological stability through clean energy transitions, afforestation, waste management, and pollution control initiatives.

Importance of Sustainable Environmental Development

1. It ensures optimal use of natural resources such as land, water, forests, and energy to meet human needs without depletion.
2. It mitigates environmental degradation, thereby reducing the risks associated with climate change, like floods, droughts, and soil erosion.
3. Sustainable development also promotes inclusive growth by encouraging eco-friendly technologies and green jobs that benefit rural and urban populations alike.

India’s Environmental Challenges

1. Air Pollution: 

• Rapid industrialization and vehicular emissions have made Indian cities some of the most polluted in the world. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter concentrations by 40% by 2026.

2. Deforestation: 

• Expansion of agriculture and urban land use has caused forest depletion, though reforestation and conservation efforts have increased forest cover in recent years.

3. Water Scarcity: 

• Over-extraction of groundwater and water pollution pose critical threats to water security, particularly in arid and industrial zones.

4. Waste Management: 

• With rising urbanization, India struggles with managing municipal and industrial waste, necessitating stricter recycling and segregation initiatives.

5. Biodiversity Loss: 

• Habitat fragmentation and poaching threaten wildlife and plant species, calling for stronger conservation laws and protected areas.

Key Environmental Policies and Regulations

1. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: 

• Acts as the umbrella legislation for environmental governance in India, granting broad powers to regulate pollution and protect ecosystems.

2. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: 

• Restricts the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes and promotes afforestation.

3. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: 

• Focus on controlling pollution through consent mechanisms and standards for emissions.

4. EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) Framework: 

• Revised in 2025 to ensure stricter project scrutiny, public consultation, and accountability for environmental damage.

5. Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025: 

• Introduced emission intensity targets for high-energy sectors, aligning with India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and net-zero goals.

Major Government Initiatives

1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): 

• A comprehensive framework encompassing eight core missions focusing on solar energy, sustainable agriculture, water, and biodiversity.

2. National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF): 

• Established to fund clean energy technologies and renewable projects.

3. National Green Hydrogen Mission: 

• With an investment of ₹19,744 crores, aims to promote green hydrogen production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

4. National Policy on Biofuels: 

• Encourages the blending of biofuels with petrol and diesel to minimize carbon emissions.

5. Namami Gange Mission: 

• Targets the rejuvenation of the Ganga River through pollution control, biodiversity restoration, and community awareness.

6. Swachh Bharat Mission: 

• Promotes solid waste management and sanitation, improving urban and rural cleanliness standards.

7. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): 

• Focuses on sustainable urban infrastructure through water supply, greenery, and pollution control measures.

Renewable Energy Transformation

1. As of 2025, India has achieved 223.6 GW of renewable capacity, adding a record 29.52 GW in FY 2024–25.
2. Solar power capacity has increased dramatically from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 107.9 GW in 2025, supported by cost reductions and major solar park projects.
3. India’s target is to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, contributing significantly to its 2070 net-zero emissions pledge.
4. Wind energy has reached 51.05 GW, and the government plans to expand this to 140 GW by 2030.
5. Green hydrogen and energy storage projects are being supported through viability gap funding and fiscal incentives.

Biodiversity Conservation Efforts

1. India is home to nearly 8% of the world’s biodiversity. To protect this, the government has implemented programs such as Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the National Biodiversity Action Plan.
2. The Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement Programme (BCRLIP) integrates rural livelihoods with conservation efforts.
3. The expansion of protected areas, wildlife corridors, and community reserves emphasizes participatory conservation involving local stakeholders.

Water and Soil Conservation

1. Programmes like the Atal Bhujal Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission focus on groundwater management and universal water access.
2. Soil health management under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana encourages efficient irrigation technologies like drip systems.
3. Efforts are being made to combat desertification through the Green India Mission and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) framework.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

1. India has committed to reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
2. The Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) emphasizes sustainable transport, electrification, and forest carbon sinks.
3. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) introduces market-based mechanisms for emission control, aligning with global carbon market standards.
4. National and state climate action plans (SAPCCs) support localized adaptation in agriculture, health, and energy.

Role of Communities and NGOs

1. Community-based natural resource management programs involve local communities in conservation decisions, ensuring both ecological and social sustainability.
2. NGOs like the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and TERI promote environmental education, green technologies, and advocacy.
3. Joint Forest Management (JFM) schemes institutionalize community participation in forest protection and afforestation activities.

India’s Global Environmental Commitments

1. India is an active participant in the Paris Agreement and has played a vital role in global climate negotiations.
2. Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), India spearheads international cooperation in sustainability.
3. The country has achieved its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments well ahead of the timeline and is progressing towards its second set under the enhanced 2025 agenda.

Challenges Ahead

1. Despite progress, India ranks 99th in global SDG performance, lagging particularly in environmental goals like life on land and life below water.
2. Rapid urbanization and population pressures lead to increasing waste generation, deforestation, and natural resource depletion.
3. Implementation gaps, insufficient enforcement, and lack of awareness hinder the effectiveness of environmental policies.

The Way Forward

1. Strengthen environmental governance by integrating technology and real-time monitoring into regulatory systems.
2. Promote circular economy models focusing on reuse, recycling, and sustainable consumption.
3. Enhance environmental education to inculcate eco-conscious behaviour among citizens.
4. Leverage green finance and ESG investments to mobilize private capital for environmental sustainability.
5. Decentralized renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and carbon-neutral infrastructure should form the backbone of India’s future development trajectory.

Conclusion

• India’s environmental sustainable development strategy is a continuous journey that aligns economic progress with ecological preservation.
• Through renewable energy growth, climate commitment, conservation programs, and community participation, the nation is steadily transitioning toward a green and resilient future.
• However, achieving long-term sustainability demands persistent policy enforcement, innovation investment, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that development today does not jeopardize tomorrow’s environment.