Introduction
The concept of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ or a developed India is intrinsically tied to the principles of sustainability and environmental consciousness, reflecting a vision of progress that balances economic growth with ecological preservation. As India aspires to become a global leader in the 21st century, the imperative to build a sustainable and green nation becomes not only a patriotic duty but also a pragmatic necessity. This essay explores the meaning of a sustainable Viksit Bharat, examining the challenges and opportunities in achieving this vision. It will argue that sustainability must underpin India’s developmental agenda through renewable energy adoption, green urban planning, and community-driven environmental initiatives. These elements are critical to ensuring long-term prosperity while safeguarding natural resources. By addressing governmental policies, societal roles, and global influences, this essay aims to present a balanced perspective on how India can achieve a sustainable future, reflecting both patriotic zeal and practical considerations.
Defining a Sustainable Viksit Bharat
A Viksit Bharat, often envisioned as a developed India by 2047, marking the centenary of independence, implies a nation that excels in economic, social, and infrastructural domains. However, development without sustainability risks depleting resources and exacerbating climate challenges, as highlighted by numerous global studies. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme, sustainable development requires integrating environmental, social, and economic goals to ensure that progress today does not compromise future generations (UNEP, 2019). For India, this means reimagining growth through a green lens—prioritising low-carbon technologies, resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation.
This vision aligns with India’s historical ethos of harmony with nature, evident in ancient practices like sustainable agriculture and water conservation. Yet, rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have strained this balance, with India ranking among the highest in global carbon emissions (IEA, 2021). Therefore, a sustainable Viksit Bharat must merge modern innovation with traditional wisdom, a concept that resonates deeply with patriotic aspirations to restore national pride through responsible development.
Renewable Energy: Powering a Green Future
One of the cornerstones of a sustainable Viksit Bharat is the transition to renewable energy sources. India, with its abundant solar and wind potential, has made significant strides in this area. The International Energy Agency notes that India’s renewable energy capacity has grown exponentially, with solar power alone increasing by over 400% in the past decade (IEA, 2021). Government initiatives like the National Solar Mission and ambitious targets of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 reflect a strong commitment to a green economy.
However, challenges persist. Rural electrification remains uneven, and the high initial costs of renewable infrastructure can deter investment, particularly in less affluent regions. Furthermore, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power necessitates advancements in energy storage technologies, an area where India lags compared to global leaders like China. Addressing these gaps requires not only governmental support but also private sector innovation and international collaboration. Indeed, a patriotic drive to achieve energy independence through renewables could galvanise public and policy support, making this a critical pillar of a sustainable Viksit Bharat.
Green Urban Planning: Reimagining Indian Cities
Urbanisation is another key challenge in building a sustainable India, with cities like Delhi and Mumbai grappling with pollution, overcrowding, and resource scarcity. The World Health Organization reports that several Indian cities rank among the most polluted globally, with dire implications for public health (WHO, 2020). Green urban planning offers a solution by integrating eco-friendly design into city development. Concepts such as smart cities, vertical gardens, and green public transport can reduce carbon footprints while improving living standards.
The Indian government’s Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, aims to develop 100 cities with sustainable infrastructure (Ministry of Urban Development, 2015). However, implementation has been inconsistent, with funding shortages and bureaucratic delays hampering progress. Moreover, urban planning must consider the needs of marginalised communities, ensuring that green initiatives do not exacerbate inequality. For instance, slum redevelopment projects must prioritise affordable housing alongside environmental upgrades. A patriotic perspective might frame green urbanisation as a collective responsibility, uniting citizens to rebuild cities as models of sustainability for a Viksit Bharat.
Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship
While governmental policies are crucial, the role of communities in fostering a sustainable India cannot be overstated. Grassroots movements have historically played a significant role in environmental conservation, such as the Chipko Movement of the 1970s, which demonstrated the power of community action in protecting forests (Guha, 2000). Today, local initiatives—ranging from tree-planting drives to waste management campaigns—reflect a growing awareness of environmental issues among Indian citizens.
Nevertheless, there remains a gap in widespread participation, often due to a lack of education or resources in rural areas. Empowering communities through environmental literacy programmes and incentivising sustainable practices (e.g., rainwater harvesting) could bridge this divide. From a patriotic viewpoint, such engagement fosters a sense of national unity, as citizens contribute directly to the vision of a green Viksit Bharat. International examples, like the community-driven recycling efforts in Japan, provide valuable lessons on how collective action can transform national environmental outcomes (UNEP, 2019).
Global Context and India’s Role
India’s journey towards sustainability must also be contextualised within global environmental frameworks. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, India has committed to reducing emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030 (UNFCCC, 2015). This positions India as a key player in climate change mitigation, balancing developmental needs with global responsibilities. However, critics argue that developed nations must bear greater responsibility for historical emissions, providing financial and technological aid to countries like India (Stern, 2007).
Arguably, India can leverage its global standing to advocate for climate justice while pursuing domestic green policies. Collaboration with bodies like the International Solar Alliance, co-founded by India, exemplifies how national pride can align with international cooperation. This dual focus—global and local—underscores the complexity of building a sustainable Viksit Bharat, requiring nuanced strategies that reflect both patriotic ambitions and practical realities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, building a sustainable and green Viksit Bharat is an ambitions yet achievable vision that integrates economic progress with environmental stewardship. This essay has explored key areas—renewable energy, green urban planning, community engagement, and global cooperation—highlighting both opportunities and challenges. While India has made commendable strides, such as in renewable energy expansion, persistent issues like urban pollution and inequitable resource access demand urgent attention. A patriotic lens adds emotional resonance to this mission, framing sustainability as a national duty to future generations. Moving forward, the implications are clear: sustained policy efforts, technological innovation, and societal participation are essential to realising this vision. Ultimately, a sustainable Viksit Bharat is not merely a developmental goal but a testament to India’s resilience and commitment to a harmonious future.
References
- Guha, R. (2000) Environmentalism: A Global History. Oxford University Press.
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021) India Energy Outlook 2021. International Energy Agency.
- Ministry of Urban Development. (2015) Smart Cities Mission Statement and Guidelines. Government of India.
- Stern, N. (2007) The Economics of Climate Change: The Stern Review. Cambridge University Press.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019) Global Environment Outlook 6. United Nations Environment Programme.
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2015) Paris Agreement. United Nations.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2020) Ambient Air Pollution: A Global Assessment of Exposure and Burden of Disease. World Health Organization.
