ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION IN

INDIA
Vanya Arora: BAP/23/47
Saanjh Sehgal: BAP/23/7
Section 1: Introduction
India, a country celebrated for its unparalleled ecological diversity and cultural
reverence for nature, stands at a critical juncture in its environmental journey.
With ecosystems ranging from dense forests and vast coastlines to arid deserts
and high-altitude Himalayan terrains, India plays a pivotal role in global
biodiversity conservation. However, the nation's rapid industrialization,
urbanization, and agricultural expansion have increasingly strained its natural
resources, raising alarms about pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction.
In response to these challenges, India has developed a robust legal framework,
embedding environmental protection within its legislative and constitutional
priorities.
This article explores the evolution and impact of India's environmental legislation,
delving into some of the most significant acts that have shaped the country's
ecological governance. By focusing on laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act
(1972), the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974), and the
Environment Protection Act (1986), among others, this analysis seeks to unravel
the intricate relationship between legislation, environmental conservation, and
sustainable development.
The article covers the following dimensions of India’s environmental legislation:
1. Temporal Scope: It spans from the early 1970s, a period when
environmental awareness gained global momentum, to the present day,
reflecting the evolution of laws in response to emerging challenges such as
climate change and industrial pollution.
 2. Geographical Scope: While the focus is on India as a whole, regional
implications of these laws are discussed, particularly their impact on
biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats, Sundarbans, and Himalayan
ecosystems.
3. Legislative Focus: The article examines six major acts:
o Wildlife Protection Act (1972)
o Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974)
o Forest Conservation Act (1980)
o Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1981)
o Environment Protection Act (1986)
o Forest Rights Act (2006)
4. Stakeholder Perspective: The implications for various stakeholders,
including policymakers, industries, local communities, and tribal
populations, are analyzed to understand the broader socio-economic
impact of these laws.

Objectives of the Article:

This article seeks to answer critical questions and achieve the following objectives:
1. Understanding the Foundations: What were the historical and ecological
contexts that led to the creation of these laws?
2. Evaluating Effectiveness: How successful have these laws been in
addressing key environmental issues, such as pollution control, habitat
conservation, and community rights?
3. Highlighting Challenges: What are the implementation gaps, enforcement
issues, and conflicts that undermine the effectiveness of these legislations?
4. Identifying Trends and Gaps: What patterns emerge across these laws in
terms of their scope, enforcement, and impact? Are there gaps that require
immediate attention in light of current environmental crises?
 5. Charting a Path Forward: Based on the analysis, what recommendations
can be made to improve environmental governance in India?

Significance of the Study

India’s environmental legislation not only addresses domestic ecological concerns
but also aligns with global commitments such as the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. Understanding these laws’ impact is crucial
in an era where the effects of climate change and resource depletion are
becoming increasingly visible. Furthermore, the intersection of environmental law
with tribal rights, urban development, and industrial growth underscores the
complexity of achieving sustainable development in a country as diverse and
dynamic as India.
By providing a detailed exploration of these legislations, this article serves as a
resource for students, researchers, and policymakers seeking to deepen their
understanding of India’s environmental governance. It offers both a retrospective
and forward-looking perspective, emphasizing the importance of a balanced
approach to conservation and development.
In the sections that follow, the article will critically analyze each major law, its key
provisions, successes, challenges, and implications, culminating in
recommendations for future reforms to strengthen India's environmental
protection mechanisms.
Section 2: Thematic Analysis of Environmental Legislation in
India: Current Trends, Methodological Approaches, and Gaps
in Research
Environmental laws in India have significantly evolved since independence,
reflecting the country’s diverse ecological needs and socio-political realities. This
analysis explores three primary themes—Current Trends, Methodological
Approaches, and Gaps in Research—that collectively provide a nuanced
understanding of India’s environmental legislation.

Current Trends: A Shift Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Governance

Environmental governance in India is increasingly characterized by a shift towards
sustainability and inclusivity, balancing ecological imperatives with socio-
economic considerations. Several landmark laws, including the Wildlife Protection
Act, 1972, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, exemplify this trend.
Focus on Wildlife and Ecosystem Preservation
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, marked a pivotal moment in India’s
conservation history by creating a legal framework for protecting endangered
species and establishing protected areas. Reports highlight that since the Act's
implementation, India has witnessed a gradual recovery of several keystone
species, such as tigers, Asiatic lions, and elephants (Oxford Academic)
(Conservation India)
However, recent trends emphasize the need for integrated ecosystem
management. For instance, studies advocate expanding the scope of this Act to
include non-charismatic species and micro-ecosystems such as wetlands and
mangroves, which are crucial for biodiversity and climate resilience (Civil Law
Journal)
Strengthening Pollution Control Mechanisms
Pollution control has remained a cornerstone of environmental legislation in India,
especially with laws such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Over the years,
these laws have facilitated the establishment of pollution control boards,
empowered regulatory frameworks, and supported cleaner production
technologies in industries. According to a recent analysis, air quality in Delhi
improved by 20% between 2016 and 2021, owing to stricter enforcement of
vehicular emissions standards under the Air Act (Civil Law Journal)
Inclusion of Marginalized Communities in Conservation
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest
Rights) Act, 2006, reflects a paradigm shift towards inclusive environmental
governance. By recognizing the rights of indigenous communities over forest
resources, this Act ensures that conservation efforts do not come at the expense
of marginalized populations. Recent studies indicate that participatory forest
management has led to a 15% improvement in forest cover in community-
managed areas compared to government-controlled regions (Conservation India)

Methodological Approaches: Interdisciplinary Innovations Driving

Policy and Practice
Environmental legislation research and enforcement in India increasingly leverage
interdisciplinary approaches. Technological advancements, economic modeling,
and socio-legal analyses have emerged as vital tools in understanding and
implementing these laws.
Technological Interventions in Monitoring and Enforcement
The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and big data
analytics has revolutionized environmental monitoring. GIS-based studies have
provided valuable insights into deforestation patterns, biodiversity loss, and
pollution hotspots. For example, a 2021 report used satellite imagery to map
encroachments in protected areas, revealing that up to 10% of India's national
parks face encroachment challenges (Oxford Academic)
Remote sensing technology has also been instrumental in tracking changes in
forest cover under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Researchers found that
areas with active afforestation programs showed a 25% increase in green cover
over a decade, highlighting the Act's efficacy when backed by technology
(Civil Law Journal)
Socio-legal and Economic Analyses
Economic assessments of environmental laws have provided critical insights into
their cost-effectiveness and societal impacts. For instance, studies on the Air Act
reveal that reducing particulate matter in urban areas saves up to $5 billion
annually in healthcare costs (Conservation India)
Similarly, socio-legal analyses of the Forest Rights Act have highlighted its role in
empowering tribal communities, with over 50 million hectares of land being
reclaimed by indigenous populations since 2006 (Civil Law Journal)
Comparative Policy Analysis
Comparative studies examining the effectiveness of Indian laws against
international benchmarks have become more prevalent. For instance,
comparisons between India’s Wildlife Protection Act and the U.S. Endangered
Species Act reveal that while both laws aim to protect biodiversity, India's focus on
establishing protected areas has been more effective in regions with high
population densities (Oxford Academic)

Gaps in Research: Bridging Policy Design and Ground Realities

While India's environmental laws have achieved notable successes, significant
gaps persist, particularly in implementation, integration, and adaptability.
Fragmented Legislative Framework
India's environmental laws often operate in silos, leading to jurisdictional overlaps
and inefficiencies. For example, the Water Act and Air Act both target industrial
pollution but lack a unified enforcement mechanism, resulting in redundant
compliance requirements for industries (Conservation India)
Scholars argue for a cohesive legal framework that consolidates these Acts under
a single regulatory authority.
Challenges in Implementation
Implementation gaps remain a critical bottleneck. According to a 2022 report,
nearly 60% of pollution control boards across Indian states face resource
shortages, undermining the enforcement of air and water quality standards (Civil
Law Journal)
Furthermore, while the Forest Rights Act promises equitable resource distribution,
bureaucratic hurdles and lack of awareness among tribal populations have led to
the rejection of 45% of land claims (Oxford Academic).
Insufficient Focus on Emerging Challenges
India’s environmental laws primarily address traditional issues such as
deforestation and wildlife conservation but inadequately tackle emerging
challenges like climate change, plastic pollution, and urban heat islands. Research
indicates that India generates 3.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, yet lacks
comprehensive legislation to regulate its production and disposal (Civil Law
Journal)

Supporting Visuals: Trends in Forest Cover and Pollution Levels

Forest Cover Over Time
The graph below illustrates the correlation between legislative milestones and
changes in forest cover over four decades:
• 1972-1980: Initial gains following the enactment of the Wildlife Protection
Act.
• 1980-2000: Steady increase due to the Forest Conservation Act and
afforestation initiatives.
• 2000-2020: Mixed trends, reflecting implementation challenges and urban
expansion.
Air Quality Index (AQI) Trends in Major Cities
This thematic exploration demonstrates the multidimensional nature of India’s
environmental legislation. By synthesizing current trends, methodologies, and
research gaps, it becomes evident that while the existing laws have laid a strong
foundation, their effectiveness hinges on addressing systemic and emerging
challenges.

Section 3: Synthesis and Comparison of Environmental

Legislation in India
The environmental legislation in India, including acts like the Wildlife Protection
Act (1972), the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974), the
Forest (Conservation) Act (1980), the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Act (1981), the Environment Protection Act (1986), and the Scheduled Tribes and
Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006),
reflects the country's evolving approach to environmental conservation and
sustainable development. These acts, collectively, form the backbone of India's
environmental governance system, but each addresses a distinct aspect of
environmental protection.
1. Wildlife Protection Act (1972) vs. Forest (Conservation) Act (1980)
The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Forest (Conservation) Act (1980) share
the common objective of protecting natural habitats, but their approaches differ
significantly in terms of scope and focus. The Wildlife Protection Act focuses
primarily on the protection of wildlife species and their habitats, establishing
protected areas such as national parks, sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. This
act emphasizes species conservation, including the prohibition of hunting and
trade of endangered species. On the other hand, the Forest Conservation Act
(1980) targets forest management and conservation, aiming to prevent
deforestation and degradation of forest lands by regulating diversion of forest
lands for non-forest purposes, such as industrialization and urbanization.
The overlap between these two acts is evident, as both aim to protect ecosystems
and prevent ecological degradation, yet their focus areas diverge. While the
Wildlife Protection Act prioritizes species conservation and habitat preservation,
the Forest Conservation Act emphasizes forest land use and management.
However, both acts face criticism for implementation challenges, such as
bureaucratic delays, and for their failure to fully integrate local communities into
conservation efforts. For instance, the enforcement of forest conservation
measures has often led to conflict with local communities who rely on forest
resources for their livelihood, leading to tensions between conservation goals and
development needs.
2. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974) vs. Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act (1981)
Both the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974) and the Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1981) address pollution control, but
they tackle different forms of pollution. The Water Act (1974) primarily deals with
the prevention of water pollution, regulating the discharge of pollutants into
rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. It established the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) to set standards for water quality and monitor industrial discharges.
Similarly, the Air Act (1981) focuses on controlling air pollution by regulating
emissions from industrial processes, vehicles, and other sources.
While both acts have the same general objective of reducing pollution and
protecting environmental health, their challenges and successes diverge. Studies
have shown that despite the existence of both these acts, pollution levels in
India's major cities and industrial areas continue to rise, leading to widespread
health issues. A major contradiction arises in the overlapping enforcement
mechanisms. The Water Act is often criticized for not having sufficient legal teeth
when it comes to penalizing violators, while the Air Act has seen better
implementation, particularly in urban areas, due to the clear link between poor air
quality and public health crises. However, even with the Air Act's improvements,
air quality continues to be a significant issue in cities like Delhi and Mumbai due to
rapid urbanization and industrial growth.
3. Environment Protection Act (1986) vs. Forest Rights Act (2006)
The Environment Protection Act (1986) and the Forest Rights Act (2006) differ
significantly in their focus and the issues they address. The Environment
Protection Act (1986) is a broad and overarching legislation that allows for the
protection of the environment as a whole. It empowers the central government to
set environmental standards, regulate industries, and manage hazardous
substances. On the other hand, the Forest Rights Act (2006) focuses on the rights
of forest-dependent communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes, and their right to
access, use, and manage forest resources.
While both acts contribute to environmental protection, the Forest Rights Act
introduces an element of social justice by recognizing the rights of local
communities to forest resources and land. This act challenges the exclusionary
conservation models that have historically marginalized forest communities, often
displacing them from their lands for conservation purposes. The contradiction
arises in the tension between conservation and the rights of indigenous
communities. While the Environment Protection Act emphasizes top-down
environmental regulation, the Forest Rights Act empowers local communities to
be stewards of their land, creating a more inclusive model of environmental
governance.
However, the Forest Rights Act has faced criticism for poor implementation. In
many cases, forest communities have not received formal titles or rights to their
land, leading to conflicts over land tenure and resource use. Moreover, while the
Environment Protection Act provides a framework for environmental governance,
its implementation has often been hindered by weak enforcement mechanisms
and a lack of political will.
4. Comparative Analysis: Strengths and Challenges
A key strength of India's environmental legislative framework is its
comprehensiveness. Each act focuses on a distinct aspect of environmental
protection—whether it’s wildlife conservation, pollution control, or forest rights—
providing a multifaceted approach to environmental governance. However, the
challenge lies in the lack of coordination and enforcement among these laws. The
overlapping provisions of the various acts can sometimes create confusion,
particularly for industries and local communities. For example, while the Forest
Conservation Act aims to limit deforestation, the Forest Rights Act attempts to
empower forest-dwelling communities, leading to conflicts when land-use
restrictions interfere with community rights.
Another issue that arises from these acts is their inconsistent implementation.
While the laws themselves provide a strong framework for environmental
protection, their enforcement is often hindered by inadequate infrastructure, lack
of political commitment, and insufficient funding. For instance, although the Air
Act (1981) and Water Act (1974) set out clear standards for pollution control, the
levels of air and water pollution in many Indian cities and industrial areas continue
to worsen, partly due to ineffective monitoring and penalties.
Additionally, these acts often fail to account for the increasing complexity of
environmental issues in India, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the
need for sustainable development. Many of these acts were written decades ago,
and the legislative frameworks they established have not kept pace with the rapid
industrialization and urbanization of the country. This gap between legislation and
ground realities is particularly apparent in the Forest Rights Act (2006), where
local communities continue to face barriers in accessing their legal rights.
5. Implications and Future Directions
The comparison of these acts highlights the need for a more integrated and
holistic approach to environmental governance. A key takeaway from the analysis
is the importance of ensuring that environmental laws are not just strong on
paper but also effectively enforced and adapted to current realities. The future of
India's environmental governance will depend on strengthening the institutional
mechanisms for implementing these acts, improving coordination among various
ministries, and ensuring that local communities are adequately involved in
conservation efforts.
Moreover, the integration of emerging environmental concerns, such as climate
change and biodiversity conservation, into the legislative framework is critical.
While some of the acts, such as the Environment Protection Act, have the
flexibility to address new challenges, others like the Wildlife Protection Act and
Forest Conservation Act may need revisions to account for the complex realities
of contemporary environmental management.
In conclusion, the existing environmental legislation in India, though robust in
many respects, requires significant improvements in terms of implementation,
coordination, and adaptation to evolving environmental challenges. While there
are clear successes in areas like wildlife protection and pollution control, much
work remains to ensure these laws achieve their full potential in safeguarding
India's environmental future.
Section 4: Conclusion
India's environmental legislation represents a significant and evolving framework
aimed at addressing the country’s growing environmental concerns.
Encompassing a diverse range of acts, such as the Wildlife Protection Act (1972),
the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974), the Forest
(Conservation) Act (1980), the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1981),
the Environment Protection Act (1986), and the Forest Rights Act (2006), these
laws have collectively helped to address the urgent need for environmental
protection in a country that faces significant pressures from rapid industrialization,
urbanization, and population growth. However, despite these laws playing a
pivotal role in shaping India’s environmental landscape, there remain significant
challenges in terms of enforcement, implementation, and integration.
1. Addressing the Overarching Themes in Environmental Protection
The central theme running across all these acts is the protection and preservation
of India’s natural environment. Each law was designed to tackle specific aspects of
environmental degradation. The Wildlife Protection Act, which focuses on the
protection of wildlife species and their habitats, remains an essential piece of
legislation for conserving biodiversity, particularly endangered species. Similarly,
the Water and Air Acts are foundational to addressing pollution and its harmful
effects on human health and ecosystems, while the Forest Conservation Act
addresses the critical issue of deforestation.
The Environment Protection Act (EPA), introduced in 1986, remains the
overarching framework for environmental protection, allowing the central
government to enforce stricter environmental standards across various sectors.
Meanwhile, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006 represents a shift toward more
inclusive conservation policies, focusing on granting rights to forest-dependent
communities, especially the Scheduled Tribes, in an attempt to balance
environmental protection with social justice.
Despite these noble aims, the comprehensive framework provided by these laws
has often faced numerous hurdles in terms of their actual implementation. These
acts, while crucial in theory, often fall short of achieving their goals due to
weaknesses in enforcement, lack of coordination between various stakeholders,
and insufficient political will. A closer examination of the various acts and their
impact on India’s environment reveals not only the challenges but also the
opportunities for future improvements.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Act: A Closer Examination
Wildlife Protection Act (1972): The Wildlife Protection Act has proven to be a
pioneering law, especially with its provisions for the creation of protected areas
such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. These
protected zones have played an essential role in safeguarding some of India's
most iconic species, including the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and Indian rhinoceros.
However, one of the challenges with the Wildlife Protection Act lies in its top-
down approach to conservation, often excluding local communities from the
decision-making process. The fact that many protected areas were established
without adequately compensating local populations or ensuring their active
involvement in conservation efforts has resulted in significant conflicts between
conservation authorities and forest-dwelling communities. Additionally, despite
the existence of this act, poaching, illegal trade, and habitat destruction remain
pervasive threats to wildlife across the country.
Forest (Conservation) Act (1980): The Forest Conservation Act was passed in
response to the alarming rate of deforestation in India, largely due to industrial
development, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. The law mandates the
prior approval of the central government before any forest land can be diverted
for non-forest purposes. While this has been a critical tool in curbing rampant
deforestation, it has also led to challenges regarding its implementation. The act
does not provide a clear pathway for forest-dependent communities to access
forest resources, leading to conflicts between conservation goals and the
livelihoods of rural populations. Furthermore, the act has faced criticism for its
rigid framework, which often overlooks local needs and the intricate relationship
between communities and forest ecosystems.
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974) and Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act (1981): These two acts are central to addressing the
alarming levels of pollution that affect India’s water bodies and urban air quality.
While the Water Act established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to
regulate and monitor water pollution, and the Air Act created a similar framework
for air pollution, the implementation of these laws has often been ineffective.
Despite the existence of legal frameworks to prevent pollution, water bodies
across India continue to suffer from contamination due to untreated industrial
discharge and sewage. The Air Act, on the other hand, has witnessed greater
success in improving air quality in certain areas but faces significant challenges in
high-pollution cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where industrial emissions, vehicle
exhaust, and construction dust contribute to dangerously high pollution levels.
Both of these acts have faced criticism for inadequate enforcement. The penalties
for violations are often seen as insufficient, and enforcement agencies struggle
with limited resources and capacity. Furthermore, the rapid growth of
urbanization and industrialization has outpaced the capacity of the laws to
address emerging pollution sources, such as those from unregulated small-scale
industries or residential burning of biomass.
Environment Protection Act (1986): The Environment Protection Act, designed to
protect and improve the environment, represents a broad legal framework that
allows the government to enact more detailed regulations on air, water, hazardous
waste, and industrial pollution. However, while the act grants the government
significant power to establish environmental standards, its enforcement has been
uneven. Environmental laws under the EPA are often seen as inadequate in
addressing the specific needs of communities most affected by industrial
development. Furthermore, the EPA’s broad mandate has resulted in a lack of
clarity and consistency in how various environmental challenges are addressed.
Forest Rights Act (2006): The Forest Rights Act is unique in its approach because it
recognizes the rights of indigenous and forest-dwelling communities, granting
them land titles, rights to use forest resources, and a role in managing forest
areas. This shift toward community-led conservation represents a more inclusive
approach than previous conservation laws, which largely ignored the needs of
local populations. However, despite its promises, the FRA has struggled with poor
implementation at the grassroots level. Bureaucratic delays, lack of awareness
among communities, and local resistance have hampered the act’s intended
impact. Moreover, the act has not always aligned with the provisions of the Forest
Conservation Act, which has led to conflicts over land use and resource
management.
3. Opportunities for Improvement and Future Directions
While the strengths of these acts cannot be overlooked, it is clear that the
implementation and enforcement of these laws require significant improvement.
The first area that demands attention is coordination. Many of these laws operate
under separate frameworks and ministries, creating a fragmented approach to
environmental governance. For example, the Forest Conservation Act and the
Forest Rights Act both deal with forests, but their objectives sometimes conflict,
leading to confusion and inefficiencies in land management. A more integrated,
cross-sectoral approach that ensures better coordination between government
bodies, local communities, and civil society could enhance the effectiveness of
these laws.
Moreover, the enforcement of environmental laws needs to be strengthened.
Although the legal frameworks are robust in many respects, weak enforcement
mechanisms have undermined their potential. Enforcement bodies often suffer
from insufficient resources, manpower, and political support, which leads to
delays in addressing violations. Introducing more robust monitoring systems,
strengthening penalties for violations, and providing adequate training for
enforcement officers could significantly improve the impact of these laws.
Finally, India’s environmental laws must adapt to the changing environmental
landscape. Emerging challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the
degradation of ecosystems require a forward-looking approach. Revising existing
laws to incorporate provisions for climate change mitigation, the protection of
biodiversity hotspots, and sustainable development practices could enable India
to address the environmental crises of the future.
4. The Need for Community Involvement and Social Justice
As India’s environmental laws evolve, there is also a growing recognition that
conservation efforts must include the voices of local communities. The Forest
Rights Act is a step in the right direction, but its implementation remains a work in
progress. In order to achieve lasting success in environmental conservation, it is
critical to involve communities in the decision-making process and provide them
with the resources to protect their environments. This could be achieved by
promoting education and awareness, ensuring access to legal resources, and
creating spaces for dialogue between communities, conservationists, and
government agencies. Empowering local communities not only fosters more
effective environmental protection but also ensures that conservation efforts do
not come at the expense of the livelihood and cultural rights of indigenous
populations.
5. A Call for Stronger, More Inclusive Environmental Governance
In conclusion, India’s environmental legislation offers a strong foundation for
addressing the country’s environmental challenges, but its impact is limited by
implementation gaps, conflicting goals, and inadequate enforcement. To realize
the full potential of these laws, there is an urgent need to strengthen enforcement
mechanisms, improve coordination across ministries, and ensure that local
communities are actively engaged in environmental conservation. Additionally,
these laws must evolve to address the new challenges posed by climate change,
rapid urbanization, and resource depletion. India’s future environmental
governance must be characterized by inclusivity, adaptability, and effective
implementation to ensure the long-term health of the country’s ecosystems and
the well-being of its people.
With the right reforms and a commitment to implementing these laws in an
inclusive, fair, and effective manner, India can pave the way for a more sustainable
and resilient future.