Environmental Security in India

With the commencement of the third decade of the 21st century, India has found itself claiming back its glory of the ancient times and along with that being a superpower in completely new perspectives. The Indian subcontinent as a whole has seen decades of evolution as no other part of the world, especially its environment. We have moved on from clear skies, crystal water, healthy soil to barren lands, rivers that look like industrial outflow and a Delhi that chokes on its own breath. India fares well in its economic indicators, and thus its projection on the demographic dividend scale is healthy.

But, when it comes to environmental security, India lacks behind. India has 20 percent of the world’s population, but only 4 percent of the world’s water. Millions lack access to clean potable water. The air quality of the country deteriorates by the day. Polluted and corroded lands yield less quantity and quality of foods.

Rapid industrialization, urbanization and population growth have put immense pressure on natural resources of the country and environment. Many argue that the practices of using non renewable energy resources like coal, petroleum should be prohibited as their consumption as well as manufacturing take a huge toll on the environment. But, on the other hand many say, that it is essential to keep doing so for the development of India. 

Forests are another key part of the environment that is under threat in India. The country has lost around one-fifth of its forest cover since 1990, according to the World Bank. Deforestation is driven by a number of factors, including the demand for timber, fuelwood, and land for agriculture and development. 

All these factors greatly affect India in a number of ways. This weakens the health security of India. A large number of casualties occur due to bronchial diseases caused by the unclean air. Allergies are also easily triggered in India due to the same. Water borne diseases are easily propagated due to dirty water and improper waste disposal systems. 

But, India has taken far reaching steps to fight environmental problems. It has spearheaded programmes like the International Solar Alliance, Swacchh Bharat Mission and has played a major role in the COP 26 Summit. Moreover, India has consistently performed well when it comes to meeting its climate goals.

India walks a fine line while keeping the idea of Sustainable Development at its top priority and moves forward, ensuring not only its own, but, the world’s Environmental Security.