Q. Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.

Model Answer:

The pursuit of environmental sustainability in India presents a developmental paradox where the immediate survival needs of over 300 million poor often conflict with long-term ecological goals. This tension manifests as a choice between present necessities and future sustainability.

The conflict is real and multifaceted:

• Direct resource dependence: Poor communities rely heavily on natural resources for survival. Forest dwellers need timber for fuel (like in Chhattisgarh’s tribal areas), coastal communities depend on marine resources for livelihood, and marginal farmers practice subsistence agriculture that may involve slash-and-burn cultivation.

• Energy and development dilemma: Restricting coal-based power affects affordable electricity access for millions. Environmental regulations increase production costs, making basic goods expensive. Green building norms raise housing costs, pushing the urban poor toward unsafe settlements.

• Displacement concerns: Conservation projects often displace the vulnerable. Tiger reserves evict forest communities (Sariska, Nagarhole cases), urban beautification removes slum dwellers, and pollution control measures close small industries employing thousands.

However, this conflict need not be absolute. The poor suffer most from environmental degradation through floods, droughts, and pollution-related health crises. Bihar floods and Marathwada droughts disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Air pollution causes more deaths among poor populations lacking healthcare access.

Convergence is possible through inclusive approaches:

• Sustainable livelihood models: Joint Forest Management empowers communities while protecting forests. MGNREGA incorporates water conservation works. Kudumbashree in Kerala combines women’s empowerment with organic farming.

• Green job creation: Solar panel manufacturing, waste management enterprises, and eco-tourism initiatives generate employment. The International Solar Alliance projects could create millions of jobs.

• Pro-poor environmental schemes: Ujjwala Yojana addresses indoor pollution while providing clean cooking fuel. Swachh Bharat Mission improves sanitation alongside dignity.

The way forward requires just transition policies ensuring alternative livelihoods before restricting traditional practices, community-based conservation making locals stakeholders rather than victims, and technology interventions making green alternatives affordable.

Environmental justice, not environmental elitism, should guide India’s sustainable development path.