Balancing Development with Environmental Protection in India
Dr C. Jyothsna
Associate Professor, Department of Zoology Nagarjuna Government College (A), Nalgonda, Telangana
Download PDF
http://doi.org/10.37648/ijps.v21i02.043
Abstract
It is a complicated challenge to balance India's urgent need for economic growth with environmental protection. This challenge is addressed through constitutional mandates (Articles 48A, 51A (g)), robust laws (EPA, Water/Air Acts), and institutions. However, it is hampered by weak enforcement, regulatory gaps, and development pressures such as deforestation, which lead to pollution and habitat loss. Solutions include enhanced governance, technology adoption (such as real-time monitoring), integration of SDGs, community engagement (utilizing indigenous knowledge), sustainable industrial practices, green financing initiatives, and clearer EIA processes to promote a sustainable future for development while preserving ecological integrity. The future prospects of India hinge on a fundamental transition from simply increasing production to altering production methods—incorporating environmental well-being as a cornerstone of economic advancement, guaranteeing that progress does not exceed ecological boundaries, and nurturing a societal ethos where the preservation of natural resources and advancement go hand in hand.
Keywords:
Articles 48A, 51A (g); EPA, Water/Air Acts; SDGs; EIA; natural resources; advancement
References
- Bhardwaj, S., Tewari, D., & Natarajan, B. (2023). Energy efficiency (EE) for climate action: Evolution of India's EE policies and way forward. In The handbook of energy policy (pp. 645-681). Springer Nature Singapore.
- Dey, S., Sreenivasulu, A., Veerendra, G. T. N., Rao, K. V., & Babu, P. A. (2022). Renewable energy present status and future potentials in India: An overview. Innovation and Green Development, 1(1), Article 100006.
- Dutta, B. K., & Bandopadhyay, S. (2010). Environmental impact assessment and social impact assessment – Decision making tools for project appraisal in India. International Journal of Human and Social Sciences.
- Hazardous Waste (Management and Handling) Rules. (1989, amended 2016).
- Mani, M., Markandya, A., Sagar, A., & Sahin, S. (2012). India's economic growth and environmental sustainability: What are the tradeoffs? (World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 6208).
- Nibhoria, S., & Chanchal, H. K. (2016). Sustainable tourism as a community development approach. International Journal for Research Publication and Seminar, 7(7), 140-146. https://jrps.shodhsagar.com/index.php/j/article/view/951
- Soundarrajan, P., & Vivek, N. (2016). Green finance for sustainable green economic growth in India. Agricultural Economics/Zemědělská Ekonomika, 62(1).
- Talachutla, S. K. (2024). To investigate the role of agritech ventures in promoting sustainable farming practices and conserving natural resources in hill regions. International Journal for Research Publication and Seminar, 15(3), 263-268. https://doi.org/10.36676/jrps.v15.i3.1492
- United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (particularly Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure; Goal 13: Climate action).
- Wood, C. (2003). Environmental impact assessment: A comparative review. Pearson Education Ltd.
