In the name of for Growth and Your Strategic , Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to relax environmental protection rules in order to facilitate the construction of infrastructure and the implementation of industrial polygons throughout the country. This boost to the economy is directly impacting the environment, raising serious concerns about the balance between development and sustainability.
The impact of industrial growth on the environment
The acceleration in the creation of new infrastructures has been notable, however, this progress brings with it direct consequences on the natural environment. The National Council of the fauna and plant species India has approved over 140 infrastructure projects, including the construction of a hydroelectric dam and a gas pipeline in the northeast of the country, which is unprecedented in terms of the speed and number of approvals in such a short period of time. This raises a key question: what are the possible repercussions of this growth on India's fragile ecosystem?
Environmental problems associated with industrial growth
With this economic boost, environmental problems have grown in tandem. Industrial pollution severely affects ecosystems, and India's air and water have reached critical levels of pollution. According to various studies, air pollution in cities like New Delhi reaches emergency levels every year, especially during winter, when particulate matter reaches up to 19 times the level recommended by the World Health Organization.
In addition, industrial growth also has a severe impact on the biodiversity, especially in key animal species such as the elephant and the tiger. These animals inhabit areas that are now being encroached upon by industrial and agricultural infrastructure. In India, it is estimated that there are more than 172 species in danger of extinction, many of them affected by the destruction of their natural habitats due to the growth of cities and the expansion of industrial areas.
Air pollution: a growing problem
Rising industrial activities have increased emissions of polluting gases such as sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, severely affecting air quality in major cities across the country. According to the latest India Air Quality Index report, more than 80% of the population lives in areas where pollution exceeds recommended standards. This deterioration in air quality leads to respiratory problems among residents, an increase in cardiovascular diseases and is responsible for millions of premature deaths every year.
In addition to industry, other factors such as increased use of private vehicles and the burning of crops contribute to worsening air quality. Research suggests that air pollution even increases the vulnerability of the population to diseases such as coronavirus, posing a far-reaching public health crisis.
Inefficient environmental auditing and regulatory procedures
Despite having extensive environmental legislation, its enforcement has been weak. According to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the growth of the Indian economy has doubled in size over the past 20 years, but industrial emissions have increased fourfold. This misinformation and lack of transparency make it difficult to take necessary corrective action.
A key project that seeks to mitigate these effects is the environmental auditing of industries. In Gujarat, an auditing programme is being carried out that aims to improve the accuracy of industrial emissions reporting, but as recent studies indicate, the incentives for these auditors are skewed, limiting the effectiveness of the measures implemented.
The use of coal and its influence on environmental pollution
India remains one of the world’s largest consumers of coal, and reliance on the fossil fuel remains a drag on national efforts to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Coal accounts for nearly 70% of India’s electricity production, and while the country has made progress in installing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, the reality is that much of the power still comes from non-renewable sources.
Coal burning not only affects air quality, but also creates significant impacts on human health. In particular, coal burning emits sulfur dioxide particles, which are directly responsible for lung and cardiovascular diseases. In 2017 alone, more than one million people died in India as a result of air pollution.
Government initiatives to combat the environmental crisis
In recent years, the Indian government has taken some steps to mitigate the negative effects of industrial growth on the environment. In 2018, India hosted World Environment Day under the theme “No Plastic Pollution.” Since then, it has promoted initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics, and has launched environmental regulatory programs to control emissions in the coal industry.
In addition to this, the government has launched the National Clean Air Plan, which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution in major cities. Under this plan, emission monitoring systems are being installed, and funds have been earmarked for the promotion of renewable energy such as solar and wind, which play a key role in decarbonising India’s economy.
Reforestation and the conservation of flora and fauna are also crucial aspects. India has begun to implement environmental protection policies with the creation of wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves to ensure the survival of endangered species.
So while India's economic growth remains a priority, the country is beginning to take the environmental challenges it faces more seriously. Adoption of renewable energy and greater transparency in environmental auditing are crucial steps to balance industrial development with preservation of the natural environment.