Environmental Governance

Environmental governance refers to the frameworks, institutions, policies, and practices through which societies identify, manage, and resolve environmental challenges. In simple terms, it is the system of decision-making that decides how we use natural resources, how we prevent environmental damage, and how we correct harm when it occurs.

Think of environmental governance as the bridge between development needs and ecological limits. It is not only about laws, but also about how those laws are designed, implemented, monitored, and improved with the participation of government, civil society, private sector, and local communities.

At its core, environmental governance ensures that environmental concerns are integrated into every stage of development planning—from project conception to execution and post-implementation review. Importantly, it also requires decision-makers to assess both environmental and social consequences, recognising that ecological damage often affects vulnerable communities the most.

According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development,

Environmental governance is the sum total of organizations, rules, procedures, and financial mechanisms that regulate environmental protection.

Its foundational principles include equity, inclusiveness, and sustainable conservation and regeneration of natural resources.

Key Principles of Environmental Governance

Integration

Environmental considerations must be embedded into all policy decisions—whether related to infrastructure, energy, agriculture, or urban planning. Environment cannot be treated as an afterthought.

Interconnection

Urban centres, economies, societies, and governance structures are deeply connected to environmental systems. Damage to one inevitably affects the others.

Interdependence

Human well-being and ecological health are mutually reinforcing. Individuals and ecosystems depend on each other for long-term survival and prosperity.

Transition

Environmental governance promotes a shift from linear and waste-intensive models to circular and regenerative systems, where resources are reused and ecological limits respected.

Environmental Policies and Regulations in India

1. Policy Framework for Sustainability

India’s environmental policy architecture is guided by long-term frameworks such as the National Environment Policy (2006) and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008). These emphasize sustainable development through focused missions on solar energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and climate resilience.

2. Legal Backing for Environmental Protection

India has a strong legal foundation through statutes such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These laws empower the state to regulate pollution and conserve biodiversity.

3. Institutional Enforcement Mechanism

Implementation and enforcement are ensured through institutions such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board, and the National Green Tribunal.
The NGT, for instance, has actively intervened by restricting construction in eco-sensitive zones and penalising polluters.

4. Recent Initiatives and Enforcement Examples

• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, updated 2022) banned several categories of single-use plastics.
• E-Waste Rules strengthened safe disposal and recycling mechanisms.
• Wildlife Crime Control Bureau cracked down on illegal wildlife trade, reinforcing India’s biodiversity commitments.

Participatory Mechanisms

Public hearings, joint forest management, and community consultations ensure people’s participation in environmental decision-making.

Information and Transparency

Digital clearance portals, environmental impact disclosures, and RTI mechanisms improve accountability.

Monitoring and Compliance

Pollution monitoring stations, environmental audits, and periodic inspections ensure adherence to environmental norms.

Constitutional Provisions and Role of Judiciary

Article 48A (DPSP)

Directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976.

Article 51A(g) (Fundamental Duties)

Places a duty on every citizen to protect the natural environment and show compassion for living creatures.

Judicial Interventions

The Indian judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court of India, has played a transformative role:

• MC Mehta v. Union of India (1987 – Oleum Gas Leak Case) established the principle of absolute liability for hazardous industries and strengthened environmental PILs.
• MC Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case) enforced the Polluter Pays Principle by directing closure or treatment of polluting industries.
• Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) recognized sustainable development as part of Indian law and reinforced the precautionary principle.

Key Challenges in Environmental Governance

Balancing Development and Conservation

Large infrastructure projects often prioritise economic gains over ecological and social costs. The Sardar Sarovar Dam, while improving irrigation and power supply, caused ecological disruption and displacement of tribal communities.

Resource and Implementation Constraints

Under the Namami Gange Mission, ₹22,500 crore was allocated, yet by January 2025 only 307 out of 406 projects were completed—highlighting gaps in fund utilisation and execution capacity.

Policy and Coordination Issues

India generates around 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily. Despite initiatives like the National Circular Economy Roadmap, fragmented policies and weak inter-sectoral coordination hinder effective waste management.

Financial and Knowledge Barriers

Achieving renewable energy targets requires nearly $293 billion by 2030. Limited green finance and technical capacity restrict scaling up of clean energy projects.

Limited Understanding of Complex Systems

India’s climate policy is shifting from mitigation to adaptation, but weak understanding of localised climate impacts and absence of robust adaptation strategies limit effective policy outcomes.

In essence, environmental governance is not about choosing between development and environment—it is about redefining development itself so that economic progress, social justice, and ecological sustainability move together.