Environmental Issues and Movements in India

Abstract

   India’s rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have contributed to significant environmental challenges. Major issues include widespread air and water pollution, deforestation, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and the growing impacts of climate change. Cities like Delhi frequently suffer from extreme air pollution, while rivers such as the Ganges are heavily contaminated by untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. Additionally, deforestation, especially in regions like the Western Ghats and north-eastern India, has caused severe ecological imbalance and threatened wildlife. In response, several grassroots environmental movements have arisen to address these concerns. The “Chipko Movement” in the 1970s where villagers primarily women embraced trees to prevent deforestation in the Himalayan region, remains a powerful symbol of environmental activism. The “Narmada Bachao Andolan”, starting in the 1980s, protested against large dams on the Narmada River, raising concerns about displacement of local communities and ecological damage. In recent years, efforts to combat air pollution in cities, preserve green spaces like Mumbai's Aarey Forest, and youth-led climate movements have gained momentum.While the Indian government has introduced policies such as the National Green Tribunal and stricter environmental regulations, enforcement remains a challenge due to political and economic pressures. The growing environmental movements reflect an increasing public awareness and demand for sustainable practices that prioritize ecological protection alongside development.

Keywords: Environmental issues, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, Chipko Movement, Narmada Bachao Andolan, grassroots movements, sustainable development, India.