In the past decade, India has strived to address challenges and bring in reforms in the areas of wildlife conservation, legislations, making commitments towards global climate change, etc. Today, India is focussing on an action-oriented approach and promoting sustainable lifestyle through the ‘Mission Life’ initiative under the aegis of a proactive government, observes Anushka Singh.
In a world grappling with the dire consequences of climate change, pollution and the rapid depletion of natural resources, India finds itself standing at a pivotal crossroads. The urgency for comprehensive environmental reforms has never been more apparent, as the nation strives to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for both present and future generations.
At the forefront of India’s journey towards a greener future lies the critical need to transition from conventional fossil fuels to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Embracing renewable energy has become an imperative for the nation’s environmental reforms. With ambitious targets set to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, India is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.
By offering incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, and favourable policies, India encourages the adoption of solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies. This seismic shift is not only helping in mitigating the adverse effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but also bolstering the country’s energy security.
Moreover, this transition provides a fertile ground for the creation of new job opportunities, further invigorating the economy. For a sustainable future, it’s important that the economic catalysts and environmental variables are both given equal importance.
In the past decade, India has strived to address challenges and bring in reforms in the areas of wildlife conservation, legislations, making commitments towards global climate change, etc. Today, India is focussing on an action-oriented approach and promoting sustainable lifestyle through the ‘Mission Life’ initiative under the aegis of a proactive government.
Reducing pollution and emissions
Air and water pollution loom large as grave threats to both the environment and public health. By addressing these challenges head-on, India’s environmental reforms focus on stringent enforcement of emission standards and the implementation of sustainable production techniques.
One of the cornerstones of pollution reduction lies in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and phasing out older, more pollutant-intensive automobiles. This concerted effort holds the potential to significantly enhance urban air quality and contribute to a marked reduction in carbon emissions.
The nation is committed to reducing industrial discharges into water bodies, ensuring that the lifeblood of ecosystems remains untainted. Reducing water pollution is one of the most challenging tasks when it comes to environment protection, owing to the sheer magnitude of the problem and the innumerable variables involved.
The Water Resources Information System (WRIS) has been providing good quality comprehensible data and is helping policymakers, water managers, etc., in a big way despite it being in a nascent stage.
India has always brought in reforms through community participation and ‘Mission Amrit Sarovar’ is another example where more than 63,000 water bodies have been developed within a year. The ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign has led to the construction of numerous water harvesting structures.
Conserving natural resources
Safeguarding natural resources lies at the heart of India’s environmental reforms, underscoring the importance of responsible resource management. A comprehensive approach is required to prevent the overexploitation of forests, water bodies, and mineral resources. Key strategies encompass sustainable waste management, judicious agricultural practices, and effective measures to curb deforestation.
These efforts are essential not only for preserving biodiversity but also for ensuring the availability of vital resources for the generations to come. By meticulously implementing resource conservation policies, India is forging a path towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with nature.
The transportation sector is a significant contributor to pollution and carbon emissions. In recognition of this, India’s environmental reforms are channelling resources towards the development of eco-friendly transportation solutions. Investments in robust public transportation systems take centre stage, coupled with a push for non-motorised transport options such as cycling and walking.
Furthermore, the promotion of electric vehicles emerges as a linchpin in the nation’s drive towards a greener future. By creating an ecosystem conducive to electric vehicle adoption, India can alleviate traffic congestion, improve air quality, and cultivate a more sustainable urban environment.
Preserving the rich biodiversity
India’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems face threats stemming from habitat loss and degradation. As a response, environmental reforms emphasise the creation of protected areas and the reinforcement of wildlife conservation initiatives. Fostering sustainable land-use practices is imperative to shield endangered species and preserve delicate ecosystems.
Local communities play a pivotal role in this endeavour, collaborating actively in conservation efforts. Through awareness campaigns and community involvement, India strives to safeguard its natural heritage for generations to come, securing a vibrant and biodiverse future.
India is making consistent efforts in restoring and enriching priority landscapes that have been affected by forest fires and mining. Also, the launch of the ‘International Big Cat Alliance’ which is aimed at protecting seven big cat species is another big step in the area of biodiversity and wildlife protection. The ‘Project Tiger’ conservation initiative was a great success and has resulted in India being home to 70 per cent of the world’s tiger population today.
Resource efficiency
Embracing a circular economy model holds the key to reducing waste and optimising resource utilisation. Environmental reforms are steering towards the establishment of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes, incentivising recycling, upcycling, and encouraging eco-conscious product design. These measures collectively contribute to reducing landfill waste and nurturing a more resilient, resource-efficient economy.
The ‘Waste to Wealth Mission’ that has been spearheaded by the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India (GOI) aims to strengthen the waste management system in the country by demonstrating innovative solutions and models to achieve a zero landfill and zero waste nation. The objective of this mission is to boost and augment the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Project by making optimal use of science, technology, and innovation.
Among the government priorities is the ‘Green Growth’ initiative, under which 500 new Waste to Wealth plants will be established in order to promote circular economy, under the GOBARdhan scheme. These will include construction of 200 compressed biogas plants – 75 in urban areas and 300 community or cluster-based plants.
The relentless march of climate change underscores the need for adaptation and resilience. India’s environmental reforms prioritise strategies that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions. These encompass the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, innovative water management practices, and the establishment of early warning systems for natural disasters.
A safer tomorrow
Empowering communities to navigate the challenges posed by a changing climate is fundamental to India’s long-term sustainability goals. By forging ahead with these reforms, the nation strengthens its ability to withstand the impacts of a shifting climate and secure a safer future for all.
As India confronts the formidable challenges posed by climate change, pollution, and the depletion of natural resources, the imperative for comprehensive environmental reforms becomes undeniable.
Through an unwavering commitment to transitioning to clean energy, reducing pollution, conserving precious resources, developing sustainable transportation, preserving biodiversity, promoting circular economy practices, and enhancing climate adaptation, India is carving a path towards a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.
In this endeavour, India stands as a beacon of inspiration, leading by example and demonstrating its dedication to safeguarding the environment for the well-being of all its citizens. The journey towards a greener future is not without its challenges, but with steadfast determination and a collective spirit, India is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage.