India is among the most polluted countries in the world. Nearly 60% of its energ y demand is met through coal and fossil fuel, groundwater levels are depleting and the need to fulfil the aspirations of a billion people often requires making way for roads, housing and industry, even in pristine areas.
And yet, 25 years from now, India holds a clear promise of transformation, simply because the ball has been set rolling by the global urgency and consensus on climate change, its tangible impact on our lives and new market demands dictating a green shift.
India has one key advantage — the bulk of its future infrastructure and industry is yet to be built. The shifts are happening slowly but steadily. The largest railway network in the world is racing to go net zero by the end of this decade.
The country is looking at a 500GW renewable energy mobilisation within a decade or less. It’s betting strongly on new and green technology for all-round decarbonisation and industry is playing ball. Top corporate groups from Ambani to Adani have announced big funding for green hydrogen plans which could — within this decade — change the way energy production and consumption operates in India and, in fact, across the globe.
Policy and politics must keep pace.
This month, India will commit globally that by 2030 it will reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels and achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based resources. Parliament is set to approve a law that will mandate energy-sensitive building construction.
The electric vehicle policy promises to make way for the largest fleet of vehicles running on clean fuel. A National Clean Air Programme is in place to reduce particulate matter air pollution in 122 cities by 2024.
Last month, India banned 19 categories of single-use plastics. Much more will need to be done to achieve all round transformation by 2047, but the gears have shifted to clean and green.