Sustainable Development in India: Balancing Urban Growth and Biodiversity

Santhosh Kumar

• India was vociferous about environmental issues and climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Are they walking the talk?
• Buildings in India use up 40% energy, 30% raw material, 20% water and 20% land-use; generate 40% carbon emissions, 30% solid waste, and 20% water effluents

India’s rapid economic growth and expanding population are driving the need for large-scale infrastructure and industrial development. Projects such as highways, rural road networks, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are essential to support this growth. However, this expansion is increasingly coming at the cost of biodiversity in India, as urbanisation continues to replace agricultural land and natural ecosystems.

At the same time, changing lifestyles and rising incomes in both rural and urban areas are placing additional pressure on natural resources. Unsustainable consumption patterns—visible even in everyday living—are accelerating environmental degradation.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Regulatory Framework

To address the environmental impact of development, India introduced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in 1994, making it mandatory for key sectors such as:

• Power plants (thermal and nuclear)
• Mining projects
• River valley developments
• Infrastructure projects

The EIA framework was further revised in 2006 to improve transparency, decentralisation, and efficiency. Despite these measures, environmental challenges in India persist due to:

• Poor municipal solid waste management
• Inadequate sewage systems
• Excessive use of chemical pesticides
• Indiscriminate use of hazardous materials

Role of Real Estate in Sustainable Development

The real estate sector in India plays a critical role in shaping environmental outcomes. Developers can significantly reduce ecological impact by adopting green building practices, including:

• Solar energy integration
• Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
• Water recycling and waste management
• Rainwater harvesting

However, responsibility does not lie solely with developers. Urban planners, architects, government authorities, and homebuyers must collaborate to promote sustainable urban development in India.

Environmental Self-Regulation: A Key Concern

The Indian real estate sector’s track record in environmental self-regulation remains inconsistent. While some developers prioritise sustainability, many projects still violate environmental norms.

For instance, despite the ruling by the National Green Tribunal mandating a 75-metre buffer around lakes in Bengaluru, several housing projects have failed to comply. Environmental degradation is also evident in water bodies such as Bellandur Lake, which suffers from industrial and construction waste pollution.

Rising Resource Consumption and Environmental Impact

India faces a significant sustainability challenge, with nearly 70% of the buildings required by 2030 yet to be constructed. This indicates a sharp rise in future demand for natural resources.

Current data highlights the environmental footprint of buildings in India:

• 40% of total energy consumption
• 30% of raw material usage
• 20% of water consumption
• 20% of land use
• 40% of carbon emissions
• 30% of solid waste generation
• 20% of water effluents

With rapid urbanisation ahead, the need for sustainable construction practices has never been more urgent.

What Needs to Change for Sustainable Urban Growth?

To ensure long-term sustainability, India must focus on building resilient, inclusive, and eco-friendly cities. Key priorities include:

• Adoption of green infrastructure technologies
• Stronger enforcement of environmental regulations
• Promotion of energy-efficient and low-carbon construction
• Integrated urban planning for sustainable growth

A strong example of sustainable innovation is Cochin International Airport, India’s first airport powered entirely by solar energy. Recognised globally, it generates 18 million units of solar power annually, achieving complete energy neutrality.

Transit-Oriented Development: The Future of Urban India

Several Indian cities are now adopting Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) to create future-ready urban ecosystems. This approach focuses on:

• Mixed-use developments
• High-density urban planning
• Improved public transport connectivity

By reforming land-use policies, TOD enables cities to grow sustainably while reducing dependence on private vehicles and lowering carbon emissions.

The Path to Sustainable Development in India

India stands at a critical juncture where economic growth must align with environmental sustainability. Balancing infrastructure expansion with biodiversity conservation requires collective responsibility and long-term vision.

By embracing green technologies, stricter compliance, and collaborative planning, India can achieve sustainable urban development while preserving its natural resources for future generations.

Santhosh Kumar is Vice Chairman of the ANAROCK Group