Progress or Peril: India’s Environment Check on World Environment Day 2025

5 June 2025: On this World Environment Day, India stands at a crossroads—between progress and peril. The numbers tell a story not of triumph or failure, but of urgent complexity. Here’s a fact-based check of where we truly stand—and where we may be heading.

WHAT HAS IMPROVED

Electric Vehicle Revolution

India’s push for electric mobility is gaining momentum. The number of electric vehicles (EVs) crossed 3 million in early 2025, according to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as frontrunners in EV adoption and infrastructure rollout.

Powering the Future

India ranked fourth globally in renewable energy capacity in 2024, with solar power accounting for nearly 71 GW of installed capacity, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also recognised India as a leader in solar photovoltaic additions last year, with rooftop installations expanding even in rural regions.

Seeds of Change

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2023 reported a net increase of 1,540 sq km in forest cover compared to 2021, driven by compensatory afforestation and state-led greening drives. Telangana and Odisha recorded the highest gains.

Plastic Pause

Following the 2022 nationwide ban on select single-use plastic items, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported a 17% reduction in plastic waste generation by 2024. Compliance among manufacturers and e-commerce platforms has shown improvement, though enforcement remains uneven across regions.

WHAT REMAINS ALARMING

Despite these achievements, India continues to face severe challenges related to pollution, land degradation, and enforcement of environmental regulations.

Choking Cities

India is home to 10 of the world’s 15 most polluted cities, according to the 2024 IQAir World Air Quality Report. PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi, Kanpur, and Ghaziabad remain significantly above WHO-recommended limits. Crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants are key contributors in northern states.

Rivers in Peril

A 2024 CPCB report identified over 300 polluted river stretches across the country. Rivers such as the Yamuna, Sabarmati, and Mithi remain critically affected by industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and solid waste, with cleanup efforts struggling to match the scale of degradation.

Climate Vulnerability

The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report lists India among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. In 2024, extreme weather events—including floods in Assam, heatwaves in Bihar, and cyclones along the east coast—affected over 20 million people, as reported by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Environmental Governance

India was ranked 174th out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index 2024. The report cited inadequate enforcement, diluted regulatory frameworks, and lack of transparency in environmental impact assessments as major concerns.

Final Thoughts

India’s environmental story is one of contrasts—measurable progress in some areas, and urgent concerns in others. As we mark World Environment Day, the data invites reflection rather than celebration. Are our environmental wins enough to counter the growing crises we face? Importantly, are we prepared to act—not just at the level of government, but as individuals and communities—for a future that is both prosperous and sustainable? The answers will shape not just the planet’s health, but our own.

By Catholic Connect Reporter