WHY & HOW India should maintain balance between economic development and environmental sustainability?

In India from the very early period of harrapan civilization, nature has acquired a special position in our life. We are the only civilization in the world which has such a deep tie with the nature. In fact we worshipped it, so in the present milieu, we should try to keep the balance between the environmental sustainability and our economic development.

Why India should maintain balance?

India’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emission levels are the third highest in the world, and soon likely to become the highest.

• For a Clean environment – WHO report has highlighted that 13 out of 20, most polluted cities are in India. In this backdrop and keeping in mind the future growth of cities and economy, it is necessary for India to work in direction of clean environment along with development.
• For biodiversity Conservation – India is known for Biodiversity hotspot, which are home to endemic species. But, due to stress of development, a compromise is being made with the biodiversity conservation, which is necessary for maintaining the gene pool.
• To address extreme climate events – India has been facing the brunt of extreme climate events like frequent drought, hailstorms, excessive rainfall causing floods, etc. For example- Uttarkashi cloud burst, two successive draughts in 2014, 2015. These are results of our indiscriminate deforestation, inefficient management of water and ignoring the fragility of ecosystem.
• To meet the targets OF INDC/ SDG– India has already pledged for an ambitious target at Paris Climate agreement and to reduce 33-35% of carbon emission. These targets could be met only if we revisit our present model of development and move towards sustainable development goals.
• To reap the benefits of demographic dividend– India is being recognized as the youngest nation of the world, but the dividend is facing the challenge of water scarcity, polluted air, depleting resources, shrinking agricultural land and increasing incidences of deadly diseases. So, for the timely harvest of demographic dividend, an inclusive and sustainable model of development is needed.

 How to maintain balance?

• Shifting to Renewable energy-Approx. 70% of the electricity generated form the coal base power plant, which are emit large source of pollution. Shifting to renewable energy sources like Solar, wind, hydroelectricity, etc. Would reduce the pollution level, overall carbon emission and thus achieving the target of INDC.
• Practicing climate smart agriculture– To sustain the growing demand for food and maintain sustainability, climate smart agriculture would be necessary steps. It includes precision farming, organic farming, multi-cropping, micro-irrigation, use of bio-compost, farming as per agro-climatic zones.
• EIA (Environment Impact Assessment) – Carrying EIA before initiation of project will ensure environmentally damaging project are stopped and better alternatives explored. Indiscriminate deforestation, diversion of forest to development, etc. could be checked.
• Promoting Eco- tourism – It will balance the development of tourism keeping in mind environmental conservation.
• Assigning monetary value every resource – Monetary value should be assigned to the environment assets like water, forests so that their loss is explicitly recognized by government and also develops a sense of responsibility among citizens. In this direction carbon tax, coal cess are good steps.
• Strict implementation of existing laws/ mechanism– Indian laws on one side, protect the forest under Forest rights Act, 2006 and on the other side they allow diversion of forest under Forest Conservation act, 1980. So, there is no synchronisation and implementation. Also, the money collected under CAMPA has not be used effectively.

Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability will help the country in its raise to global superpower level at the same time meeting the INDCs of Paris Climate deal as well as the SDGs.