India’s environmental crisis has worsened over the past decade, marked by rising emissions, biodiversity loss, and severe pollution. Despite global awareness, systemic issues and unsustainable development practices continue to deepen ecological damage.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Yes — significantly over the last decade.
- Rising Carbon Emissions:
- India’s CO₂ emissions increased from 2.33 billion tonnes (2015) to 3.12 billion tonnes (2024) — nearly 34% growth.
- Still heavily reliant on coal (≈70% of electricity generation).
- Biodiversity Loss:
- Deforestation, wetland degradation, and monoculture farming are threatening India’s rich ecological zones like the Western Ghats and Northeast.
- Ecosystem disruptions and species extinction risks have increased.
- Severe Pollution:
- India consistently ranks among the most polluted countries.
- Air quality in cities like Delhi remains hazardous.
- Water pollution from untreated sewage and industrial effluents continues to degrade rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
What are the major contributing factors?
- Fossil Fuel Dependency:
- Dominance of coal, oil, and gas in power and transport.
- Lack of sufficient transition to renewable energy sources.
- Deforestation and Land-Use Change:
- Increased forest clearances for mining, infrastructure, and dam projects.
- Encroachment in biodiversity-rich regions.
- Agricultural Intensification:
- Monoculture crops promoted by agro-industries.
- Overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and plastic mulch.
- Resultant soil degradation and water pollution.
- Waste Mismanagement and Urbanisation:
- India generates 62 million tonnes of waste/year, with only 20% scientifically processed.
- Overflowing landfills, untreated sewage, and industrial waste polluting water bodies.
- Overconsumption and Industrialisation:
- Global North’s consumption patterns shift environmental burdens to countries like India.
- Export-driven industrial growth often disregards environmental safeguards.
India’s Position in Global Context:
- Per capita emissions low (~1.9 tonnes) vs. U.S. (~14.7 tonnes), yet aggregate emissions rising.
- Climate injustice: Poor communities in India suffer disproportionately from pollution and extreme weather.
- Victim of climate impacts caused by historical emissions of wealthier countries (e.g., erratic monsoons, heatwaves, floods).
What needs to be done?
- Global Accountability:
- Developed nations must cut emissions, provide climate finance, and stop outsourcing pollution.
- Corporate Regulation:
- Impose strict environmental laws and carbon taxes.
- Ban trade with corporations that do not comply with green norms.
- Ecological Development:
- Promote low-carbon livelihoods, organic farming, and community-led conservation.
- Integrate environmental goals into urban planning, infrastructure, and economic policy.
