Sustainable development is a concept that has gained significant prominence in global discourse, particularly in the context of balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. It emerged as a response to the realization that development strategies that focus solely on economic growth could lead to environmental degradation and social inequality. The concept, often defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” was formally introduced in the 1987 Brundtland Commission report. This definition has guided sustainable development policies at national and international levels. In the Indian context, however, the pursuit of sustainable development faces several challenges and contradictions.

India, as a rapidly developing nation, grapples with a dual challenge: achieving economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability and equitable social development. The country’s rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have placed immense pressure on its natural resources, leading to significant environmental challenges such as deforestation, air and water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In addition, India’s development trajectory often prioritizes short-term economic gains over long-term environmental and social sustainability. For instance, large infrastructure projects like dams, highways, and mining activities have led to displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and environmental degradation, thereby questioning the sustainability of such growth.

A critical aspect of sustainable development is the need to