Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance in India

Abstract

India’s development must address poverty, urbanisation, industrial growth, energy security, ecological degradation and climate risks simultaneously. This article analyses the evolution, structure and challenges of sustainable development and environmental governance in India through constitutional provisions, environmental laws, judicial decisions, government reports, the Sustainable Development Goals and national climate commitments. India has developed a substantial regulatory framework through pollution-control legislation, biodiversity and wildlife laws, environmental-clearance procedures and the National Green Tribunal. Its composite SDG score increased from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023–24. India’s climate commitments for 2031–35 include reducing GDP emissions intensity by 47 per cent from 2005 levels, achieving approximately 60 per cent installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources and creating a carbon sink of 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. However, fragmented authority, weak enforcement, inadequate monitoring and limited community participation continue to hinder effective environmental governance.