Chapter: Environment and Sustainable Development
Introduction
India's economic development has come at a cost to the environment, causing pollution, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.
As India steps into an era of globalization and higher economic growth, it must shift toward sustainable development, which balances growth with environmental protection.
This chapter explores the relationship between the environment and the economy, focusing on the concept of sustainable development.
Environment — Definition and Functions
Environment: Refers to the totality of all biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements on Earth. Biotic elements include plants, animals, and humans, while abiotic elements include air, water, land, rocks, and sunlight.
Functions of the Environment:
Supply Resources: Provides renewable resources (like trees and fish) and non-renewable resources (like fossil fuels).
Assimilate Waste: Absorbs waste generated by human activity, such as pollution.
Sustains Life: Supports biodiversity and ecosystems necessary for life.
Provides Aesthetic Services: Offers beauty and scenic views that enhance the quality of life.
Carrying Capacity: The environment can perform these functions as long as the use of resources stays within its limits. When humans exceed this capacity, it results in an environmental crisis.
State of India’s Environment
India is rich in natural resources like fertile land, forests, rivers, and minerals, but rapid economic development has led to environmental degradation.
Key Environmental Challenges:
Land Degradation: Deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices have led to the loss of soil fertility.
Air Pollution: Major cities suffer from air pollution caused by vehicles and industries.
Water Pollution: Around 70% of India’s water sources are polluted due to industrial waste and improper sewage treatment.
Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation and urbanization have threatened wildlife and plant species.
India's environmental problems are a result of both poverty-induced degradation and affluence-induced pollution from industrial growth.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development: Refers to economic development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Key Elements of Sustainable Development:
Equity: Ensuring fair access to resources for all, especially the poor.
Resource Conservation: Managing natural resources carefully to prevent depletion.
Minimizing Environmental Damage: Reducing pollution and avoiding practices that harm the environment.
Global Efforts: The United Nations promotes sustainable development through programs like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Strategies for Sustainable Development
Use of Non-Conventional Energy Sources:
Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy like wind, solar, and hydro power to reduce carbon emissions.
Solar energy, wind turbines, and mini-hydel plants provide eco-friendly alternatives.
LPG and Gobar Gas in Rural Areas:
Encouraging rural households to use cleaner fuels like LPG and gobar gas (biogas from cow dung) reduces deforestation and air pollution.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG):
The use of CNG in cities like Delhi for public transport has significantly reduced air pollution.
Wind and Solar Power:
India is making efforts to generate electricity from wind and solar energy, which are cleaner and renewable.
Biocomposting:
Promoting the use of organic compost and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers to protect soil health and reduce pollution.
Biopest Control:
Using natural pesticides derived from plants like neem to control pests and reduce chemical pesticide use, which harms the environment.
Traditional Knowledge:
Traditional Indian systems like Ayurveda and organic farming are environmentally friendly and help maintain ecological balance.
Conclusion
Economic Development vs. Environment: Rapid economic development has increased the pressure on the environment, leading to resource depletion and pollution. Sustainable development aims to balance growth with environmental protection.
Future Focus: India needs to adopt sustainable practices to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy environment.
Recap
The environment provides essential resources, absorbs waste, sustains biodiversity, and offers aesthetic value.
India's rapid development has led to environmental challenges such as land degradation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Sustainable development ensures that economic growth meets present needs without harming the environment for future generations.
Key strategies for sustainable development include using renewable energy, promoting biogas, and adopting eco-friendly farming practices.
