Chapter 7 of the Class 11 Indian Economic Development textbook is titled “Environment and Sustainable Development”. It explains the relationship between economic growth and environmental challenges. The chapter focuses on how development affects nature and why sustainable practices are important. Topics like pollution, climate change, resource overuse, and India’s environmental policies are discussed in detail to help students understand the concept of sustainable development.
I chose to write about this chapter because the environment is something we all interact with every day. Whether we are in a big city or a small village, problems like air pollution, water shortage, and waste are affecting us directly. While studying economics, we often focus on growth and production, but without caring for nature, growth becomes harmful. This chapter gives a balanced view of how we can move forward without destroying the earth. It also made me realise that even small efforts, like saving electricity or avoiding plastic, connect to big economic ideas like sustainability. For students, this chapter is not just theory — it’s deeply connected to what kind of future we want to build.
Importance of Environment in Economics
The environment provides us with natural resources like water, forests, air, and minerals. Without these, no production or development is possible. But in trying to grow quickly, we’ve overused and misused many of these resources.
Some key points from the chapter include:
- Economic development often leads to pollution, deforestation, and resource depletion
- Overuse of non-renewable resources like coal and petrol is causing long-term damage
- Natural disasters and climate change are linked to human activities
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development means using natural resources in such a way that we meet our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It focuses on:
- Reducing pollution and wastage
- Using renewable energy (solar, wind)
- Conserving forests and water
- Promoting green jobs and eco-friendly industries
In simple terms, it is about growing in a smarter way that respects nature.
Causes of Environmental Degradation in India
The chapter lists several reasons behind India’s environmental problems:
- Industrial waste released into rivers and lakes
- Vehicle emissions causing air pollution in cities like Delhi
- Cutting of forests for farming or construction
- Overuse of chemical fertilisers in farming
- Urbanisation without proper planning
- Lack of solid waste management systems in rural and urban areas
These problems affect health, reduce agricultural productivity, and even cause migration.
Government Policies and Measures
India has taken several steps to protect the environment:
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) for faster environmental justice
- Promotion of electric vehicles, solar energy, and waste segregation in recent years
Still, enforcement is weak in many places, and awareness among people is also low.
