Critically assess the challenges in aligning economic development with environmental sustainability in…

Question

Critically assess the challenges in aligning economic development with environmental sustainability in India in the present era.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

India's resource-intensive growth model, policy contradictions, weak enforcement, federal fiscal constraints and displacement of vulnerable communities keep economic development and sustainability apart despite strong frameworks. Namami Gange had completed only 307 of 406 projects by January 2025, and Telangana's urban bodies dump over 60% of municipal waste unprocessed.

**Introduction**

India’s rapid economic growth amid climate risks demands reconciling development with environmental sustainability, complicated by federal disparities and resource constraints.

**Key Challenges**

SKETCH: mindmap | Challenges in Aligning Development & Sustainability  
- Resource-Intensive Growth  
- Policy Contradictions  
- Fiscal Federalism Constraints  
- Social & Livelihood Pressures

1. **Resource-Intensive Growth Model**: India’s reliance on infrastructure and industrial projects strains natural resources; for example, thermal power expansion and mining in ==Telangana==’s Singareni coal belt boost economy but degrade environment.

2. **Policy Contradictions and Implementation Gaps**: Missions like NAPCC exist, yet conflicting priorities slow progress; Namami Gange⟦1⟧ completed only 307 of 406 projects by 2025, reflecting coordination issues that also affect state-level river and waste programmes in ==Telangana==.

**Critical Analysis**

3. **Fiscal and Institutional Constraints**: Despite ==Telangana==’s 10.7%⟦2⟧ GSDP growth, centralised tax devolution limits fiscal space for sustainable investments, causing uneven regional progress.

4. **Social and Livelihood Pressures**: Large projects displace tribal communities in ==Telangana==, with inadequate rehabilitation undermining sustainability.

5. **Environmental Governance Deficits**: Over 60% of municipal solid waste in ==Telangana Urban Local Bodies⟦3⟧== is dumped unprocessed; 37% of Swachh Bharat Mission⟦5⟧⟦4⟧ funds remain unused, showing systemic inefficiencies.

6. **Equity and Federalism Complexities**: Fiscal federalism penalises better-performing states like ==Telangana==, limiting green innovation despite national targets.

**Way Forward**

7. **Decentralise Governance**: Empower states with fiscal autonomy and technical capacity for region-specific sustainability aligned with national goals.

8. **Improve Coordination**: Enhance monitoring to accelerate projects like Namami Gange and solid waste management in ==Telangana==.

9. **Inclusive Development**: Ensure rehabilitation and livelihood restoration for displaced tribal communities.

**Conclusion**

Balancing growth and sustainability⟦6⟧ in India requires coordinated, inclusive, and decentralised approaches addressing fiscal, social, and environmental challenges.

Model answer

ఈ ప్రశ్నను ప్రాక్టీస్ చేయండి

పర్యావరణం వర్సెస్ అభివృద్ధి, పర్యావరణ విధానం3 questions

Ghissu