Yadav Asserts India’s Right to Sustainable Growth at NGT Meeting: Key Insights and Implications

Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav recently spoke at the National Conference on Environment-2025. He emphasized that India has the right to grow sustainably, regardless of global climate concerns. He stated, “The climate anxiety gripping the world cannot force India to compromise on ensuring food, water, and energy for our 1.4 billion people.”

Yadav highlighted India’s significant achievements in meeting its Paris Agreement goals on green energy, accomplishing this nine years early. He pointed out that while addressing climate issues is crucial, India must also focus on its developmental needs. “We seek to balance challenges and opportunities,” he explained.

Reflecting on historical contexts, Yadav recalled the food crises of the 1970s, where a significant part of India and the developing world faced hunger, contrasting it with the richer nations that did not reduce their consumption to help those in need.

The conference also touched on India’s future initiatives. Yadav mentioned plans for innovations in low-carbon technologies and the Nuclear Energy Mission aimed at bolstering nuclear power development by 2047. He emphasized that renewable projects, particularly in solar energy, are central to fostering economic growth and job creation.

Justice Vikram Nath from the Supreme Court drew attention to pressing environmental issues like air pollution and water scarcity. He asserted, “It is unacceptable for our children to grow up needing masks to play outside.” He stressed that strong enforcement of existing environmental laws must align with the commitment to social justice, inequality, and poverty alleviation.

In light of recent surveys, India’s environmental challenges remain significant. According to the 2021 World Air Quality Report, 22 of the world’s most polluted cities are in India. This has sparked user reactions on social media, with many advocating for stronger measures to combat air quality issues.

To aid in tackling these challenges, Attorney General R. Venkataramani proposed creating a national commission on the environment to improve policy-making and enforcement practices. He noted that effective regulation is critical in addressing India’s environmental problems, which need immediate attention to ensure a healthier future.

In summary, while India has made strides in green energy and acknowledges its responsibilities toward climate change, experts agree on the necessity of addressing economic and social inequalities alongside environmental initiatives.



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India,climate crisis,green energy,environmental sustainability,air pollution