"We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."
— Native American Proverb
As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, the vision of a Viksit Bharat a fully developed, inclusive and prosperous nation is a national mission, not a distant aspiration. The trajectory is bold: a $30 trillion economy, a top- three global economic power and leadership in technology, manufacturing and diplomacy. But behind the glittering promise of economic expansion lies a critical truth- none of this is possible without prioritising environmental sustainability.
Business Today’s India@100 blueprint recognises this, dedicating ten of its 100 transformative ideas to Environment and Sustainability Reforms- a testament to the centrality of ecological stewardship in India’s growth story. These sub-pillars are more than environmental measures; they are economic necessities, human development imperatives and moral commitments. Prioritising ecological stewardship ensures that India’s rise is not only powerful but also sustainable, equitable and resilient for generations to come.
The Ecological Crossroads
In India’s ancient scriptures, sustainability was never a modern concern it was a way of life. The Rig Veda reminds us, “Let there be peace in the heavens, let there be peace on the Earth, let there be peace in the waters, let there be peace in the plants and trees, and let there be peace in the animals.” (Rig Veda, 1.89.1). This verse encapsulates the essence of India's relationship with nature - one of harmony, balance and interdependence.
India stands at a critical ecological crossroads. Decades of environmental neglect and unchecked exploitation have left natural systems under severe strain. With a population of 1.4 billion, expanding urban footprints, rising energy demands and growing aspirations, pressures on land, water, air and biodiversity are immense. The World Bank estimates that environmental degradation costs India nearly 5.7% of GDP annually, driven by air pollution, water stress, land degradation and biodiversity loss highlighting that the climate crisis is also an economic crisis. India is not merely a contributor to environmental stress; it is also a victim. Ranked among the world’s top five most climate-vulnerable nations, it faces recurring disasters: the 2013 Kedarnath floods, recent cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh, erratic monsoons in Maharashtra and extreme heatwaves across the north. Achieving Viksit Bharat demands development rooted in environmental stewardship, recognizing a resilient ecosystem as the foundation of sustainable, long-term prosperity.
India's Climate Diplomacy: From Follower to Leader
India has emerged not as a reluctant participant but as an assertive voice in global climate negotiations, balancing growth equity with environmental responsibility. India is a signatory to major international agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. At COP26 in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s five-point Panchamrit agenda: achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, expanding non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, meeting 50% of energy needs through renewables, cutting carbon emissions by 1 billion tons and reducing GDP carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.
Strong Institutional and Policy Backbone
India’s environmental and sustainability framework is built on a robust - though underutilized - network of institutions, legislation and policies. Central to this is the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, supported by the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. National and State Action Plans on Climate Change (NAPCC and SAPCCs) guide region-specific priorities, while initiatives like the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) mechanism promote industrial energy efficiency. Internationally, India leads through the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and, during its 2023 G20 Presidency, championed the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement-a “pro-planet people’s movement” embedding sustainability into daily choices and collective climate action.
AIM
This article evaluates the ten environmental and sustainability reform ideas from Business Today’s centennial roadmap. Each sub-pillar is assessed for relevance, feasibility and priority, with recommendations to retain, revise or exclude. Goals are reworded for clarity where needed, and new proposals added to address critical gaps, creating a coherent, actionable and forward-looking framework for India’s sustainable and resilient future.
Evaluation Of Environment Goals/ Sub Pillars
Sub Pillar 1: Air Pollution Prevention Policy
“A recent report says that 13 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India. Air pollution is not a metro city problem anymore as several Tier-II and Tier-II cities are also on the list of the world's most polluted cities. What is needed is a comprehensive district-wise graded air pollution road map with the involvement of all stakeholders. Transparency in data generation and consistency are the key to finding a solution rather than knee-jerk reactions during high-pollution days.”
Analysis
Air pollution in India has escalated from a Delhi-centric issue to a nationwide public health and development crisis, with thirteen of the world’s twenty most polluted cities including Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Patna located in India. Temporary measures like stubble-burning bans and road sprinkling treat symptoms, not causes. Residents in polluted regions lose five to seven years of life expectancy, and pollution costs 8.5% of GDP annually. Strengthening the underfunded National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with district-wise roadmaps, transparent monitoring and targeted interventions for vehicles, industry and brick kilns can ensure sustained, locally driven action, making clean air a fundamental right.
Recommendation
Retaining this as a standalone sub-pillar is not only justified but essential. A district-wise clean air roadmap is needed to identify local sources, ensure transparent monitoring and prioritise governance. Drawing lessons from Beijing and Indore, India must shift to sustained, preventive, and locally driven clean air action.
Sub Pillar 2: Faster Project Clearances
“Several central and state infrastructure projects face cost and time overruns with agencies complaining about land acquisition and environment clearances. A single-window clearance system, Parivesh, was launched to streamline and expedite green clearances, but states continue to operate at their own pace. Concerns have been aired regarding dilution of environmental laws. A more consultative system needs to be evolved to balance environment protection with developmental needs.”
Analysis
India’s pursuit of Viksit Bharat 2047 requires rapid infrastructure development roads, factories, ports and power plants while maintaining environmental integrity. Projects frequently face delays due to land acquisition and environmental clearances, yet unchecked approvals risk damaging forests, rivers, and communities. The Parivesh portal introduced a transparent, single-window system, but uniform, time- bound implementation, early community engagement and independent audits remain essential. Lessons from Delhi Metro, which balanced speed with sustainability, illustrate the need for a framework that harmonizes efficiency with accountability. However, the emphasis should not on “Fast” clearances; instead, it should be on “efficient and balanced” project clearances.
Recommendation
The sub-pillar should be reframed as “Efficient & Balanced Project Clearances” to institutionalize a system that is transparent, time-bound and trusted. Key measures include standardized approval timelines, independent audits and proactive stakeholder engagement. It ensures development velocity is matched by ecological prudence, safeguarding communities, ecosystems and investor confidence while enabling sustainable, accountable growth.
Sub Pillar 3: Turn Waste To Wealth
“Waste management remains one of the biggest challenges with segregation, reduction, recycling and reuse measures requiring a holistic approach. Integrated water, sanitation, and waste systems can check pollution. With e-waste becoming a big challenge, producer responsibility needs to be expanded with a recycle/disposal tracking system. A formalised marketplace for recyclable waste trading and incentivising waste pickers can address the challenges.”
Analysis
The sub-pillar “Turn Waste to Wealth” envisions transforming India’s growing waste challenge into a driver of sustainable growth, innovation and inclusive employment. India generates over 62 million tonnes of solid waste annually a figure projected to double by 2047 necessitating a shift from disposal to a circular economy, where waste is reused for energy, compost, recycled materials and livelihoods. Integrating informal waste pickers into formal, technology-driven systems promotes both social inclusion and environmental efficiency, advancing resource conservation, pollution reduction and job creation simultaneously.
Global examples from the EU to Japan demonstrate how circular practices stimulate innovation, while Indian successes like Indore and Ambikapur highlight the role of citizen engagement and local leadership in creating cleaner, resilient cities. Although “Turn Waste to Wealth” may appear more like a campaign slogan than a formal policy directive, it embodies sustainable development, converting challenges into opportunities and ensuring that by 2047, India is not only cleaner but also resource-efficient, innovative and environmentally resilient.
Recommendation
This sub-pillar should be reframed to reflect a systemic, forward-looking vision. Moving beyond the campaign-style “Turn Waste to Wealth,” it can be articulated as “Lead in Circular Waste-to-Resource Economy.” It focusses on a comprehensive circular economy, treating waste as a resource stream. Segregation, recycling and reuse are embedded in production and consumption cycles, supported by formal marketplaces, robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems and empowerment of waste pickers through training, recognition and fair wages. By integrating sanitation, solid and e-waste management, India can transform its waste sector into a driver of green jobs, innovation and urban resilience aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 and global sustainability commitments.
Sub Pillar 4: Impose A Green Manufacturing Mandate
“India has a decarbonising road map with a 2070 net-zero target, which means manufacturing, a key growth parameter, needs to transition to sustainable measures. Sectors like steel, cement and metals are investing in eco-friendly options, but unless there is a clear government mandate, adoption of these products will be slow. Keeping in mind the high cost of manufacturing low carbon products, a mandate will provide a glide path to manufacturers and customers.”
Analysis
The Green Manufacturing Mandate seeks to make sustainable production compulsory in high-emission sectors like steel, cement and chemicals, which contribute over 15% of India’s CO₂ emissions. While India targets net-zero by 2070, voluntary adoption has been slow, as firms often view sustainability as costly and optional. A mandate would make green practices obligatory, level the playing field, drive innovation and ensure environmentally responsible growth. Global experience shows regulation accelerates change Europe’s EV standards and India’s BS-IV to BS-VI fuel transition demonstrate this. Phased implementation, tax incentives and technology support can ease adoption for MSMEs. As Narayana Murthy emphasized, “We do not have to sacrifice growth for green we have to find growth in green,” highlighting that sustainability and competitiveness can advance together.
Recommendation
This sub-pillar should be reframed as “Phased Green Manufacturing Mandate with Incentives” to balance ambition with practicality. A phased mandate supported by tax incentives, carbon credits and credible green certification makes sustainability achievable and competitive. It allows industries to transition collectively along a predictable path, fostering innovation without overburdening MSMEs. The framework also prepares Indian manufacturers for global trade shifts, including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. By rewarding early adopters and ensuring fairness, it positions India as a global leader in green industrial transformation.
Sub Pillar 5: Smoothen Transition From Fossil Fuels
“Bring out a comprehensive policy to protect rights and livelihoods of workers in regions reliant on fossil fuels. States and the Centre have done some work in the area but there is a need for a national policy that lists the transition’s pace, shape, scope, coverage and timeline for certainty regarding measures that will be adopted.
Analysis
This sub-pillar is crucial for India’s net-zero journey and social stability. With nearly 70% of electricity and significant state revenues still coal-dependent, an abrupt exit could trigger unemployment, fiscal strain and unrest in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Global examples offer guidance: Germany’s €40 billion coal exit plan retrained workers and revitalized regions, while South Africa’s $8.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership mobilized finance for affected communities. In India, phased, well-funded programs could reskill coal workers for solar parks, EV manufacturing or green hydrogen production, while enabling states to develop sustainable revenue models. This approach aligns climate ambition with social justice, ensuring India’s clean energy transition uplifts people rather than displaces them, delivering not just a transition, but a truly just transition.
Recommendation
This sub-pillar should be reframed as “Ensure a Just Transition from Fossil Fuels” to highlight the human and social dimensions of India’s clean energy shift. While “Smoothen Transition from Fossil Fuels” emphasizes planning, “Just Transition” aligns with global climate discourse and underscores a moral imperative: climate progress must not come at the cost of livelihoods. A National Just Transition Policy should define the pace, scope and financing of the fossil fuel phase-out while protecting workers and coal-dependent states. Measures like social impact assessments, retraining programs and state transition funds can cushion communities and create green jobs. This reframing ensures India’s energy transition is both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable, leaving no one behind on the path to a green, inclusive future.
Sub Pillar 6: Green Hydrogen Thrust
“The massive renewable energy capacity expansion in India was the result of government policies such as purchase obligations that require obligated entities to buy minimum units from renewable energy producers. Green hydrogen is seen as game- changer but comes at a high cost. A purchase mandate can increase its adoption.”
Analysis
Green hydrogen produced by splitting water using renewable electricity is poised to become India’s next clean energy frontier, particularly for “hard-to- abate” sectors like steel, fertilisers and refineries that currently rely on fossil-based hydrogen and coal. Its adoption, however, faces three interlinked challenges: high costs, limited demand and inadequate infrastructure.
This sub-pillar aligns closely with the Green Manufacturing Mandate (Sub Pillar 4), creating a synergistic pathway for industrial decarbonisation. Mandating green production without access to green hydrogen risks partial solutions and higher costs, while promoting hydrogen without regulatory backing may slow uptake. A combined approach ensures sustainable manufacturing while leveraging green hydrogen, stimulating domestic R&D, electrolyser and storage production and green industrial clusters. It also protects global competitiveness by anticipating trade barriers such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
Recommendation
The sub-pillar should be combined with Sub-Pillar No. 4 and reframed as “Mandate Green Manufacturing with Integrated Green Hydrogen Adoption.” High-emission industries would be required to implement green manufacturing practices alongside phased green hydrogen adoption, supported by incentives, domestic electrolyser production, infrastructure and R&D.
This approach ensures carbon intensity reduction, global competitiveness and alignment with international best practices and trade requirements. It fosters innovation, measurable emission reductions and resilient industrial ecosystems, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable industry. The reframed Goal Statement could be as given below: -“Decarbonise high-emission industrial sectors by mandating green manufacturing practices, integrating green hydrogen as a primary clean energy source and supporting domestic innovation, infrastructure and incentives to achieve sustainable, competitive and globally aligned industrial growth by 2047.”
Sub Pillar 7: Make Carbon Trading A Reality
“India is rapidly advancing towards a structured and regulated carbon pricing ecosystem. With increasing global emphasis on carbon markets like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, India is developing a rate-based Emissions Trading System and voluntary carbon crediting mechanisms. The focus should be on raising awareness among MSMEs, bringing a policy on the risk of double counting and fraud.”
Analysis
Carbon trading putting a price on pollution is a powerful global climate tool, incentivising emissions reduction, rewarding innovation and aligning economic activity with environmental objectives. For India, a structured and regulated carbon pricing ecosystem is essential not only for climate stewardship but also for economic competitiveness. Without credible domestic mechanisms, exporters in sectors like steel, cement and aluminium risk penalties under emerging global policies such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). India has already initiated steps through the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS, 2023) and is progressing toward a national emissions trading system (ETS). The current framing, “Make Carbon Trading a Reality,” oversimplifies the objective; trading alone is insufficient. A robust system requires governance, transparency, fraud prevention and credible pricing to drive meaningful decarbonisation and industry-wide efficiency.
Recommendation
The sub-pillar should be reframed as “Build a Credible Carbon Pricing Market” to reflect a strategic and future-ready vision. The goal is to establish a regulated, transparent and trustworthy carbon pricing ecosystem that achieves measurable emissions reductions while safeguarding economic interests. Key features should include rigorous monitoring and verification to prevent double counting or fraud, safeguards to integrate and protect MSMEs and alignment with international carbon pricing standards. Complementary measures should prepare Indian industries to meet global trade requirements such as CBAM. By emphasising credibility, structure and compliance, this sub-pillar positions India as a proactive leader in the global low-carbon economy, ensuring that carbon pricing becomes a driver of industrial innovation, competitiveness, and climate leadership by 2047.
Sub Pillar 8: Boost R&D Investment In Future Battery Tech
“India is rapidly advancing towards a structured and regulated carbon pricing ecosystem. With increasing global emphasis on carbon markets like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, India is developing a rate-based Emissions Trading System and voluntary carbon crediting mechanisms. The focus should be on raising awareness among MSMEs, bringing a policy on the risk of double counting and fraud.”
Analysis
Battery storage is the critical “missing link” for India’s renewable energy transition. Solar is intermittent, wind fluctuates, and demand is continuous; large- scale storage ensures reliability, grid stability and energy security. Currently, India depends heavily on imported lithium-ion batteries, mainly from China, exposing strategic vulnerabilities through supply chain disruptions, price volatility and environmental concerns.
Relying solely on “Boost R&D Investment in Future Battery Tech” as a sub-pillar is insufficient. Investment alone does not guarantee a self-sustaining ecosystem without domestic manufacturing, recycling, supply chain security and standardisation, breakthroughs may remain unscaled or imported, leaving India strategically vulnerable and dependent on external sources.
Recommendation
This sub‑pillar is essential but should be reframed as “Achieve Leadership in Next‑Gen Battery Ecosystem” to reflect a strategic, holistic vision beyond mere R&D. It encompasses advanced research, domestic manufacturing, recycling infrastructure and supply chain security, reducing import dependence and strengthening energy security. Supporting renewable energy and electric mobility, it fosters technological leadership, industrial competitiveness and sustainable growth. By transforming battery technology into a strategic advantage, India can emerge as a global leader in energy storage, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 and a resilient, self- reliant clean energy future.
Sub Pillar 9: Address Renewable Waste Challenge
“As per the International Renewable Energy Agency, by 2050, global solar panel waste could reach 78 million metric tonnes the equivalent of more than 20,000 fully loaded Boeing 747 jets. In India, the cumulative solar waste from both existing and new capacity deployment between FY24 and FY30 is estimated at 600 kilotons. There is a need for effective recycling strategies database maintenance, incentivising recyclers and creating a market for solar recycling to address this challenge.”
Analysis
Solar and wind energy are celebrated as clean and limitless, yet a critical challenge is emerging: managing end-of-life renewable assets. Solar panels last 20–25 years and wind turbine blades 15–20 years, after which they generate significant waste. Globally, solar waste could reach 78 million tonnes by 2050; in India, projections estimate 600,000 tonnes by 2030. Without proactive management, this threatens land and water, while valuable materials like silver, silicon, copper, and rare earth elements are lost.
This sub-pillar addresses the need to close the loop in India’s renewable energy journey. Recycling and managing renewable waste are both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. Recovering materials reduces import dependence, lowers production costs, fosters new industries and creates green jobs. A structured approach from dismantling and sorting to recycling prevents a renewable waste crisis.
Should this Sub Pillar i.e. “Address Renewable Waste Challenge” be clubbed with the Sub Pillar “Turn Waste to Wealth”?
There is a strong philosophical case for merging “renewable waste” and “general waste” under a single circular economy pillar, as both aim to transform waste into resources. A combined approach such as “Build a Circular Economy across All Sectors” could streamline strategy, reduce duplication and signal India’s commitment to ensuring nothing is wasted.
Yet, there are compelling reasons to retain separate pillars. The scale, complexity and stakeholders differ: municipal and e‑waste are mass, everyday challenges, whereas renewable waste is high-tech, niche and future-facing. Merging them risks diluting focus and under-prioritising critical renewable waste management.
Recommendation
Retaining this sub-pillar separately is strategically important, reflecting foresight and aligning India with global priorities highlighted by IRENA and the EU. However, the original goal, “Address Renewable Waste Challenge,” is reactive and limited. It implies mere mitigation of waste rather than envisioning a forward-looking, strategic framework. It does not capture India’s potential to lead in resource recovery, innovation and circular industrial growth. For 2047, the ambition should be elevated, shifting from waste management to leadership. Reframing it as “Lead in Circular Economy for Renewable Energy Waste” conveys a vision of turning such waste into opportunity, positioning India at the forefront of sustainable innovation in the clean energy era.
Sub Pillar 10: Climate Resilient Urban Planning
“Mumbai’s streets flood every monsoon, flash floods destroy infrastructure in hill states, hydropower projects collapse due to cloud bursts and manual productivity is repeatedly affected by rising temperatures. These are just some of the visible impacts of global warming that India is already witnessing. However, urban planning doesn’t account for climate resilience. India should have climate-resilient city certification with performance-based incentives for climate-ready urban planning.”
Analysis
Climate change is already reshaping India’s cities through floods, heatwaves and cloudbursts that damage infrastructure and slow growth. Yet, urban planning still reflects outdated assumptions roads, drains, and buildings designed for past climates, not future extremes. Mumbai’s annual flooding, Uttarakhand’s flash floods and Delhi’s 2023 Yamuna overflow show that this is India’s lived reality, not a distant threat. With over half the population expected to live in cities by 2047, unchecked climate risks could cost 2–3% of GDP annually.
Globally, nations are innovating: the Netherlands’ “Room for the River” and Japan’s earthquake-resistant codes provide examples. A practical way forward is a “Climate-Resilient City Certification”, a measurable scorecard assessing adaptation. Cities excelling in flood and heat-resilient infrastructure, renewable- powered urban services and disaster preparedness could receive incentives, grants and global recognition.
Recommendation
Retain this sub‑pillar but reframe it as “Climate‑Resilient Cities & Infrastructure” to capture a comprehensive vision. This broader scope integrates urban, peri‑urban, coastal and hill-area resilience, covering city planning and climate-proof construction of ports, bridges, highways, hydropower projects and other critical infrastructure. This approach ensures that rapid urbanisation and infrastructure growth are safeguarded against climate shocks, enabling cities and regions to recover swiftly while protecting citizens, ecosystems, and economic progress.
Additional Sub Pillar/ Goal: “National Water Pollution & Clean Rivers Mission”
A critical goal is missing in the current environmental and sustainability framework: the comprehensive management of water pollution and revival of India’s rivers. While water supply and sanitation initiatives exist, the persistent contamination of surface and groundwater, coupled with the limited effectiveness of river-cleanup programmes, highlights a glaring omission. Without a focused goal on water quality, initiatives in agriculture, industry, and urban development will remain incomplete. Given the ecological, cultural and economic importance of rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari, this gap must be explicitly addressed as a national priority.
Analysis
India is confronting a deepening water pollution crisis over 70% of surface water is contaminated by untreated sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff, while groundwater in states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh shows alarming arsenic and fluoride levels. Despite investments exceeding ₹30,000 crore under “Namami Gange,” progress remains limited due to fragmented governance, weak monitoring and inadequate local accountability. Yet, successful models exist: Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati rejuvenation and China’s “River Chief System” demonstrate how clear responsibility, strict enforcement and community engagement can yield results. India must adopt a similar framework Clean rivers are vital not just ecologically, but also for cultural heritage, livelihoods and economic growth. Making water quality restoration a national mission is indispensable for India’s long-term environmental and developmental resilience.
Recommendation
It is recommended that a new sub-pillar be added to the environmental framework to tackle India’s water pollution and river health challenges. This sub- pillar should combine enforceable industrial discharge norms, district-level sewage treatment targets, regular river health report cards, and citizen-led monitoring to ensure transparency, accountability and measurable outcomes. By institutionalising these measures, India can safeguard ecological integrity, protect public health and preserve the cultural and economic significance of its rivers. This goal should be formally added as “National Water Pollution & Clean Rivers Mission” with the objective: “Ensure clean, safe, and ecologically healthy rivers across India through enforceable norms, local accountability, and citizen-led monitoring.”
Ranking Summary
Here is a ranked summary of the ten sub-pillars from the document (Sub Pillar 4 & 6 combined and one additional Sub pillar added, thus retaining the total goals to ten as before, albeit reworded to convey the right intent and purpose), focusing on the final recommended sub pillars or goals. The ranking reflects assessed relevance, strategic importance and national impact as presented in the document.
Conclusion: Why The Green Pillar Matters Most
It is tempting to see environmental reforms as a secondary concern something to be addressed after we’ve achieved economic security. However, that would be a grave mistake. Environmental sustainability is not a footnote to development; it is the foundation. Air pollution affects labour productivity. Water scarcity hampers agriculture and industry. Extreme heat curbs outdoor work and adds to energy bills. Climate shocks push millions back into poverty. In other words, ignoring sustainability will sabotage growth. It is not a trade-off, but a synergy. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not for everyone's greed." India’s journey to developed-nation status must be paved with ecological compassion and scientific foresight.
Environmental and climate leadership must anchor India’s development vision. Cities, industries and energy systems can thrive only if ecological limits are respected and climate resilience is embedded in planning. Each sub-pillar in this roadmap has been critically evaluated and, where necessary, reframed to enhance clarity, feasibility, and strategic impact. The restructured framework embeds measurable accountability river health scorecards, district-level air and sewage monitoring, and green innovation incentives turning policy into outcomes. Together, green technology, sustainable industry, and climate-proof infrastructure will shape a resilient, inclusive economy. As Rachel Carson observed, “In nature nothing exists alone.” India’s environment, economy, and society are similarly interdependent. By embedding these sub-pillars into national priorities, India can secure a prosperous, sustainable, and climate-resilient future, making environment and climate leadership a defining pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047.