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Environment Sectors
Issues and PrioritiesBudget 1998-99
Budget 1997-98
Budget 1996-97
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Environment Sectors
 | A country’s environmental problems vary with its stage of
development, structure of its economy, production technologies in use and its
environmental policies. While some problems may be associated with the lack of economic
development (e.g. inadequate sanitation and access to clean drinking water), others are
exacerbated by the growth of economic activity (e.g. air and water pollution).
Environmental changes may be driven by many factors including economic growth, population
growth, urbanisation, intensification of agriculture, rising energy use and
transportation. Poverty remains at the root of several environmental problems. |
| Large scale industrialisation, spread of transport, communication and
other modern infrastructure combined with the pressure of population growth have added to
the difficulties of preserving clean environment and healthy natural resource base. These
have been exerting pressure on environment as witnessed in growing evidence of air and
water pollution and land degradation. For instance Delhi is now classified as the fourth
most polluted city in the world, with a suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) of 145.3 to
929.8 microgrammes/m3 as against a the National ambient air quality standard of 70 to 360
microgrammes/m3. Organic and bacterial pollution continue to be the predominant source of
pollution in our aquatic reserves. The forest cover and globally recognised bio-diversity
is also under threat. |
| Such degradation imposes a cost on the society, with the burden of such
costs being disproportionately high for the poor who live and depend on such natural
ecological systems. Such costs need to be explicitly accounted for in economic policy and
planning. The challenge of sustainable development remains formidable and requires
integration of country’s quest for economic development with its environmental
concerns. Choice of policies and investment has to be such which encourage cleaner
production/consumption and practices that minimise the environmental impact. |
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