Assessment of Government Efforts to Promote Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Development

The Indian government has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and eco-friendly development. Key programs such as the National Solar Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and the promotion of organic farming are designed to address environmental challenges while creating green jobs and improving livelihoods. This assessment evaluates these efforts and their impact on rural and urban poor communities.

1. National Solar Mission

Objective and Implementation: Launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), the National Solar Mission aims to increase India’s solar energy capacity and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The mission targets 100 GW of solar power capacity by 2030.
Recent Example: As of 2024, India has achieved over 80 GW of solar power capacity, making it one of the leading countries in solar energy. Initiatives like the Solar Park Scheme and Kusum Scheme (Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) have facilitated the installation of solar panels on farms and rural areas.

Impact on Green Jobs: The mission has created numerous job opportunities in the solar energy sector, including manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of solar panels. It has also stimulated the growth of solar technology startups and companies.
Recent Example: Tata Power Solar Systems and Adani Solar are leading companies in India’s solar industry, generating thousands of jobs and contributing to local economies.

Impact on Livelihoods: Rural areas benefit from solar-powered irrigation systems and lighting, which enhance productivity and quality of life. Urban poor communities gain from solar rooftop installations, reducing energy costs and improving living conditions.
Recent Example: In Maharashtra, the Kusum Scheme has provided solar-powered irrigation to farmers, improving agricultural productivity and reducing dependency on diesel.

2. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Objective and Implementation: Launched in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to eliminate open defecation, improve solid waste management, and promote sanitation and hygiene across India. The mission focuses on building toilets, managing waste, and educating communities.
Recent Example: By 2023, India declared itself open-defecation-free (ODF), with significant improvements in rural sanitation. The Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) have been key components of this success.

Impact on Green Jobs: The initiative has created employment opportunities in the construction of toilets, waste management, and sanitation services. It has also led to the growth of waste-to-energy projects and recycling businesses.
Recent Example: The Pune Municipal Corporation has implemented a waste-to-energy plant, creating jobs in waste segregation, recycling, and energy production.

Impact on Livelihoods: Improved sanitation reduces health risks and enhances living conditions. Access to proper sanitation facilities in rural areas contributes to better health and increased productivity, while urban poor communities benefit from improved hygiene and sanitation infrastructure.
Recent Example: In Uttar Pradesh, the construction of household toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission has significantly improved sanitation and reduced health issues among rural populations.

3. Promotion of Organic Farming

Objective and Implementation: The government promotes organic farming through schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). These programs aim to increase the area under organic cultivation and provide financial support to farmers.
Recent Example: The Sikkim State Organic Mission has transformed Sikkim into India’s first fully organic state, showcasing the potential of large-scale organic farming.

Impact on Green Jobs: Organic farming creates jobs in agriculture and related sectors such as organic certification, processing, and marketing. It supports the development of organic supply chains and rural entrepreneurship.
Recent Example: The INDI Organic project in Karnataka supports organic farming by providing training, certification, and marketing support, leading to job creation and economic development in rural areas.

Impact on Livelihoods: Organic farming improves soil health and reduces dependency on chemical inputs, leading to better yields and higher incomes for farmers. It also promotes sustainable agricultural practices that benefit rural communities.
Recent Example: The Himachal Pradesh Organic Farming initiative has helped farmers transition to organic methods, improving soil health and increasing market access for organic produce.

Conclusion

The Indian government’s efforts through the National Solar Mission, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and promotion of organic farming have made significant strides in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly development. These initiatives have created green jobs, improved sanitation, and enhanced agricultural practices, positively impacting the livelihoods of both rural and urban poor communities. Continued focus on these programs and addressing associated challenges will be crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and improving quality of life across India.