While environmental protection is constitutionally mandated (Article 48A, 51A(g)), it is marked by overlapping sectoral priorities and fragmented institutional mandates.
Policy Contradictions Among Various Competing Sectors
Energy vs. Environment – Expansion of coal-based thermal power leads to deforestation, displacement, and carbon emissions. Eg- Coal block allocations in Hasdeo Arand (Chhattisgarh)
Agriculture – MSP policy promotes water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane, leading to water scarcity, salinity, and soil degradation. Eg- Over-extraction of groundwater in Punjab and Haryana.
Industry vs. Environmental Regulation – Ease of Doing Business reforms relax environmental clearances (EIA 2020 draft allows post-facto approvals).
Infrastructure vs. Ecosystem Stability – Eg- Projects like Bharatmala, Char Dham Highway, and river-linking projects lead to habitat fragmentation and increased disaster vulnerability.
Tourism – Unregulated eco-tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure stress fragile ecosystems. Eg- Joshimath Crisis.
Urban Development – Unplanned urbanisation encroaches upon natural drainage systems. Eg- Chennai floods (2015) due to wetland encroachment; Bengaluru lake pollution.
Policy Contradictions Among Various Competing Stakeholders
Central vs. State Governments – Conflict between industrial promotion by states and environmental clearance norms by Centre.
Government vs. Local Communities – Top-down project approvals often ignore Gram Sabha consent under Forest Rights Act (2006). Eg- Niyamgiri Case
Corporate Interests vs. Civil Society – Private sector prioritizes profit, while NGOs and activists demand sustainability. Eg- Industrial pollution in Sterlite Copper Plant (Thoothukudi).
Judiciary vs. Executive – Eg- NGT banned illegal constructions in Aravalli Hills (Gurugram, 2018) and Delhi Ridge
Inter-Ministerial Contradictions – Eg- MoEFCC seeks conservation, while the Ministry of Coal or Power pushes extraction projects.
Way Forward
Integrated Policy – Establish a National Council for Sustainable Development (NCSD) under NITI Aayog. Model it on the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Whole-of-Government Approach – Institutionalize inter-ministerial task forces for projects with ecological sensitivity.
Implement committee recommendations like Madhav gadgil Committee on Western Ghats
Green Budgeting – Integrate ecosystem valuation and environmental costs into budgets.
Create National Environmental Information Grid (NEIG) for real-time monitoring of forests, emissions, and water resources.
Community Participation – Ensure FRA and PESA provisions are respected in all forest and mining projects through joint monitoring committees including tribal representatives.
These measures can help align the developmental process with SDG-13 (Climate Action) and India’s Panchamrit targets.