On 5th June, the world celebrated the Environment Day. The actions by nations and the global community towards the conservation of nature show the collective concern for the planet. However, the steps taken in this direction are far from adequate. The frequency and intensity of adverse natural calamities is increasing rapidly across the globe. This calls for greater reverence towards the bounties of nature. India has regarded the rivers, trees mountains and air as sacred. Primitive people of diverse cultures across the world hold the gifts of nature as valuable and pray for their survival. Vedic culture presents deep respect for Nature. Our ancient scriptures propagate a healthy and balanced attitude towards the environment.

The human race has to coexist with the flora and fauna. The oceans, rivers, mountains, forests and wetlands along with all-natural water bodies and human habitations must thrive. Natural ecosystems have been traumatised due to activities like mining, deforestation, dam construction etc. The entire physical systems survive and sustain themselves based on their internal rhythms. They draw sustenance from the energy of the sun, air, water and Earth. There is a cost to the physical environment during the process of economic development.

These externalities are traditionally not accounted for in the economic costs associated with production activities. India is introducing Green Accounting to internalise the costs borne by nature. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and environmental clearances are mandatory to undertake projects that harm the natural ecology. On grounds of socioeconomic considerations or security threats in Naxal-infested regions, environmental clearances may be given expeditiously. Since this is a relatively new area of accounting, clarity is lacking on how environmental impact assessments are processed and given. There are several instances of projects being cleared without due environmental impact assessment approval. The Western Ghats are a sensitive region where the construction of dams and other projects need careful environmental scrutiny. Often, due to vested interests involved, engineering projects have been completed without adequate environmental approvals. As a consequence, there have been several instances of severe flooding along the western coast.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is a Delhi-based non-governmental organisation working actively towards the conservation of planet Earth. They have released a report titled E- Report on State of India’s Environment in Figures 2025 on the occasion of World Environment Day. This report ranks the states and Union territories in India according to several environmental parameters based on government data. While gaps in data exist, the findings of the report are useful. Policymaking depends on reliable and recent data. Planning for environmental conservation also draws upon relevant statistics. According to the figures in this report, Andhra Pradesh is at the top in forest, biodiversity and climate action areas. There are challenges in sewage treatment and pollution of rivers in Andhra Pradesh. Sikkim has the top rank in environmental conservation in agriculture. In Public health and environmental conservation, Goa is assigned the best rank among states, and Chandigarh among the Union territories.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) under the auspices of the UN is working towards policies to reduce human induced greenhouse gases. The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) meets annually to draw up climate action plans. The last COP 29 at Baku agreed on a compliance mechanism to regulate emissions. A system of carbon credits has been agreed to reward those who contribute less than the target emissions and penalise those who contribute more. Carbon markets facilitate the buying and selling of carbon credits. India had introduced carbon markets in 2023 and now the compliance mechanism will become operational from 2026 formally. The other issue discussed at COP 29 was climate finance. The developed countries have not guaranteed climate finance in line with the requirements of the developing countries. This matter will be further taken up at Belem COP 30 this year. Anti-climate political lobbies are causing strain on the climate action plans. Unfortunately, the geopolitics of the present times is quite unfavourable to the global climate agenda.

The focus on plastic pollution on this 5th June Environment Day is well placed. In 2022, the United Nations recommended a ban on single-use plastic. Nations are required to innovate with eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic. UNEP (United nations Environmental Programme) and Ellen Macarthur Foundation have launched a joint programme called the "New Plastics Economy Global Commitment,” to create a circular economy in plastics.

India is also sensitive to plastic pollution. It imposed a ban on single-use plastic. Further, India has introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle to make the manufacturers accountable for the control of consumer waste. With a lifecycle approach, plastic credits are an optional compliance technique under EPR. The opportunities are being created for setting up recycling facilities and promoting eco-friendly waste disposal techniques. Technology has been used by many startup enterprises to manufacture biodegradable plastics that return to nature within two years. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set out specific norms for plastics that are permitted. The CPCB has created a Centralized EPR Portal for Plastic Packaging where producers, importers and brand owners can purchase plastic waste recycling certificates from approved exporters. Plastic credits are a reflection of the balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth. These are laudable efforts towards sustainable development.

India is committed to sustainable development and has a goal of net zero emissions by 2070. This conforms to the United Nations climate change agenda. Circularity principle should be incorporated in all input-output production cycles. The producers have a responsibility for the entire life cycle of the products they introduce into the market, including waste management after consumption. While rules exist for circular economy principles, they are not followed. The success of EPR in plastic waste management is low. The roadmap has been formulated for improved business practices towards environmental conservation though the goals are unmet. In transportation, railways are much cleaner than road transport with 90 percent less carbon dioxide emissions than trucks. Indian railways are expected to achieve net zero before 2030. This augurs well for the future of India’s goals along the green path.

Over consumption and extreme selfishness is destroying the planet. Prime Minster Modi has proposed Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as a global mission to encourage environment friendly life styles. We need to restore respect for mother nature. Otherwise, the human race is doomed. The World Environment Day reminds us that collective and individual action is needed to save and nurture the environment.

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