Sustainability In India Research Articles

Health System Resilience and Sustainability in India - Odisha's Strategies on Human Resources Management during COVID-19

Background: COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread loss of life, economic downturns, emotional distress and overwhelmed the public health delivery systems across the globe. Odisha was one of the few states in India that deployed proactive management of human resources in health (HRH) to fight the menace. This paper analyzes key decisions related to HRH during COVID-19. The findings aim to strengthen HRH practices to address future pandemics. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the structures, functions, and processes related to HRH management during the COVID-19, using a qualitative lens. Through purposive sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 key informants, including policymakers and state-level managers. Data were analyzed thematically to reflect upon the perspectives of key stakeholders, identify barriers and enablers, and document the decision-making dynamics. Results: Odisha strengthened its hospital infrastructure and capacity of health workforce through additional deployment and skill upgradation in a short period. Restriction of movements and strengthening the health system pillars led to considerable success. As COVID-19 cases surged in mid-2020, focus shifted to clinical treatment, active case finding and surveillance. Specific training modules were developed with guidance from the Ministry of Health, WHO, and UNICEF. A whole range of human resources were trained by both online and offline modes. Community-level training programs focused on enforcing COVID-appropriate behavior and management of vulnerable population. Infusion of technology enhanced the system’s capacity to deliver high quality training in a short period of time to a vast majority of stakeholders. Conclusion: The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the National Health Mission (NHM) played critical roles in enhancing systems’ preparedness and institutionalizing such large-scale capacity building initiatives during periods of crisis. The state's approach in terms of scale, skill, and speed of human resources management could be a model for addressing future health crises.

Fiscal Sustainability in India: an Assessment in Pre and Aftermath of Covid-19

The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate India's budgetary sustainability both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Global economies have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and India is no exception. The country is facing significant fiscal issues as a result of rising costs for social security, health care, and economic stimulus plans. This study examines shifts in India's fiscal situation prior to the pandemic and the consequences encountered in its aftermath by examining fiscal variables such as state debt, budget deficits, and revenue trends. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative evaluations derived from government reports and economic forecasts with quantitative data analysis. Initial results show that there has been a decline in fiscal indicators since COVID-19, which has been made worse by lower revenue generation and higher demands for expenditure.

Indicators for Assessment of Agricultural Sustainability in India: A Review

Indicators for Assessment of Agricultural Sustainability in India: A Review

Mission-Life Approach: A Road towards Energy and Environmental Sustainability in India

A growing interest in human adaptation to climatic fluctuation and change is indicated by recent advances in the policy domain as well as in the research community about the implications of climate change. However, little is known about the nature and mechanisms of human climate adaptation, and direct research on the subject is rarely conducted. In effects research, human responses of one kind or another are frequently taken for granted. The analyses that do focus on adaptation employ a range of interpretations and points of view, leading to an insufficient and occasionally erroneous knowledge of how humans adjust to changes in their surroundings. Climate change and environmental degradation are two prominent global issues in our current era. Therefore, in order to guarantee the long-lasting advancement of the nation's economic sectors, including production patterns, it is crucial to enforce efficient policies and laws with the goal of decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study is done to see how mission life plays an effective role in environmental sustainability and help to energy efficiency with mitigation of climate change and reduce green house impact and how it plays a major road towards sustainable development. The motivation to enhance the standard of living and prevent environmental deterioration through the utilisation of energy efficiency.

Perspectives on inequalities in social science research and environmental sustainability in India

While the Anthropocene has seen the dissolution of nature-society dualism, disciplinary barriers have been deep-seated and limited a complete integrated analysis of the environmental crisis. Concerned by the scarcity of literature on structural and institutional barriers that leverage upon and extend this deep-seated duality between natural and social science, this paper maps the broader field of social science research in India. It also explores the epistemic effects of such inequalities on environmental research and its ability to meaningfully engage with interactions between the social and the natural worlds.

Groundwater sustainability in India through nonrice-dominated cropping pattern.

Over-exploitation of groundwater for irrigation caused rapid groundwater depletion in north India, leading to food and water security challenges. However, the crucial role of changing cropping patterns on groundwater savings under the observed and projected warming climate remains unexplored. Here, we show that altering the existing rice-dominated cropping systems in India can be a potential solution for groundwater sustainability under the current and future climate. Satellite and model-based estimates show that north India lost ∼336 and 297 km3 of groundwater, respectively during 2002-2022. We developed optimized crop switching scenarios for groundwater savings considering nutritional requirements, farmers' profit, and crop production. Crop switching considering all the three targets (crop switch one: CSI) and allowing rice replacement with alternate crops (crop switch two: CSII) could save 45 and 91 km3 groundwater, respectively in north India during the observed climate (2002-2022) compared with the current cropping pattern. Altering the current cropping pattern can lead to substantial groundwater savings under the projected future climate without comprising nutritional targets and farmers' profit at the state level. Replacing 37% area of rice with other crops (CSII) can recover 61 to 108 km3 groundwater compared with -13 to 43 km3 with current cropping pattern under the 1.5-3 °C global warming levels. Similarly, under the CSI scenario, 36 to 86 km3 groundwater can be recovered in the future warming world. Moreover, the benefits of crop switching in groundwater saving are higher during the prolonged dry periods compared with the baseline under the warming climate. Therefore, crop switching offers substantial benefits for groundwater sustainability under the current and projected future climate in India.

Legal Framework and Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Environmental Sustainability in India

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has undergone significant evolution from its philanthropic origins to a formalized concept influencing modern business practices. In India, CSR has deep cultural ties to philanthropy and charity, influenced heavily by globalization and regulatory measures such as the Companies Act of 2013. The integration of CSR into corporate strategies has emerged as a vital component for ensuring long-term sustainability and ethical governance. This paper examines the legal framework governing CSR in India, its impact on environmental sustainability, and the challenges and recommendations for enhancing CSR’s effectiveness within the legal realm. The growing importance of CSR reflects a broader global trend where businesses are increasingly held accountable for their social and environmental footprints. This shift is not merely a regulatory requirement but a strategic imperativethat aligns corporate success with societal well-being1 . The objectives of this research paper are to explore the evolution and current state of CSR in India, analyze the legal provisions that shape CSR activities, assess the impact of these activities on environmental sustainability, and identify the challenges and propose recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of CSR initiatives. By providing a comprehensive overview, this paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on corporate responsibility and sustainable development2 . Globally, CSR practices have evolved significantly, with businesses across the world increasingly recognizing their role in addressing societal challenges. In developed economies, CSR is often driven by a combination of regulatory frameworks, stakeholder expectations, and the pursuit of sustainable business models. In contrast, emerging economies like India have witnessed a different trajectory, where traditional philanthropic practices are gradually being replaced by more structured and strategic CSR initiatives.

Cropping System Intensification: Implications on Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in India

Cropping System Intensification: Implications on Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in India

Economic Viability of Cutting-Edge Genetic Treatments: Balancing Innovation and Fiscal Sustainability in India's Healthcare Sector

Recent breakthroughs in genetic treatments offer unprecedented opportunities for addressing previously incurable conditions, but their astronomical costs present significant challenges to healthcare systems globally, particularly in developing economies like India. This comprehensive study conducts an in-depth economic analysis of three recently approved genetic treatments, meticulously comparing their long-term financial impacts with traditional care methods in the Indian healthcare context. Utilizing advanced economic modeling techniques and drawing from a diverse array of data sources including clinical studies, real-world evidence, and Indian health databases, we evaluate the treatments' cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and potential for long-term savings over an extended 30-year period. Our findings reveal a complex economic landscape: while these cutting-edge treatments require substantial initial investments, ranging from Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 18 crore per patient, they may offer significant long-term economic benefits in specific scenarios. The study goes beyond mere cost analysis, exploring the broader economic implications of these treatments, including their potential impact on workforce productivity, caregiver burden, and the development of India's biotechnology sector. We propose a comprehensive framework for assessing the economic sustainability of such high-cost treatments, taking into account both immediate budgetary constraints and potential long-term societal benefits. Furthermore, we discuss detailed policy implications for the integration of these treatments into India's healthcare system, emphasizing the need for innovative financing mechanisms, value-based pricing models, and adaptive health technology assessment methods. This research aims to provide policymakers, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders with crucial insights to navigate the complex intersection of medical innovation and economic sustainability in the rapidly evolving landscape of genetic treatments.

Environmental Sustainability in India: The Effects of Financial Development and Green Energy on Ecological Footprint

In this study, environmental sustainability is investigated through the ecological footprint variable in India from 1965 to 2018. In this context, the impact of renewable energy use, financial development, urbanization and economic growth on India's ecological footprint is analyzed. Since all variables were stationary at the first difference, the cointegration relationship between variables was tested with Gregory-Hansen and Hatemi-J cointegration tests. Empirical findings have shown that there is a long-term relationship between the variables in the relevant period. FMOLS, DOLS, and CCR estimators were used to determine the direction and magnitude of the effect of the explanatory variables on the dependent variable. The estimation results found that while economic growth increased the ecological footprint the most, financial development decreased the most. In addition, the increase in urbanization increases environmental degradation. However, although the use of green energy is not at the desired level, it increases the environmental quality. On the other hand, the study tests the EKC hypothesis for India. Research results support that there is an inverted-u-shaped relationship between economic growth and ecological footprint. Therefore, for India, whose GDP is integrated with fossil fuels, higher growth at the beginning causes more fossil fuel use and negatively affects environmental quality. On the other hand, increasing urbanization in India, which has an underdeveloped energy infrastructure, increases environmental degradation. However, increasing renewable energy and financial development offer significant opportunities to reduce the ecological footprint.

A Systematic Literature Review on Slow Tourism and Its Implications to the Uttarakhand State of India

This paper explores how slow tourism might promote sustainability in India. Slow tourism is a sustainable travel strategy that prioritizes high-quality travel experiences above quantity and aims to protect the environment, promote local culture, and increase travelers' happiness. This study examines the main ideas, themes, and behaviors related to slow tourism through a thorough literature assessment. It assesses their applicability to India's socio-cultural and ecological contexts. It draws attention to the potential of slow tourism to promote sustainable development through strengthening local economies, protecting the environment, and cultivating an awareness of the natural and cultural history of the region. The report also evaluates the potential and challenges for slow tourism in India and makes recommendations for future study and policy formation. This study highlights slow tourism's potential to advance sustainability in India's tourist industry, using Uttarakhand as a relevant case study.

Harmony in Practice: A Case Study Approach in Exploring the Intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Stewardship

“Corporate Social Responsibility is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders.” The Companies Act, 2013, mandated companies meeting specific criteria to allocate a percentage of their profits towards socially responsible initiatives, reflecting a paradigm shift in acknowledging the role of businesses in contributing to social and environmental objectives. Key CSR activities in India focus on education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, with corporations aligning with national priorities such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The article highlights successful case studies exemplifying the integration of CSR with environmental initiatives, including Tata Group's sustainable development initiatives, Infosys' green IT practices, and ITC Limited's Triple Bottom Line Approach. Furthermore, the challenges faced by companies in integrating CSR and environmental sustainability in India are elucidated, ranging from regulatory complexities to resource constraints and the need for continuous innovation. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship in India, highlighting successful case studies, challenges faced, and the pivotal role of regulatory frameworks in shaping corporate behavior towards environmentally responsible practices.

UNDERSTANDING GROUNDWATER DEPLETION IN INDIA: ASSESSING RISK THRESHOLDS AND ANALYSING CAUSATIVE FACTORS

Although hidden below the Earth’s surface, groundwater makes up 99% of Earth’s liquid fresh water and plays an important role in the water cycle. Rivers, lakes and wetlands are surface manifestations of groundwater, exchanging flow with the groundwater reservoir that feeds them when they need water and takes some of their flow when surface water is in excess. Groundwater also controls many features on the Earth’s surface. The depth of the water table is partly responsible for different plant species occupying different positions along the slopes from hill to valley, as only the drought-tolerant plants can live on dry hillsides and water-tolerant plants live near streams. Dissolution of carbonate rocks by flowing groundwater creates caves and sinkholes. In desert environments, groundwater discharge forms oases, which provide habitats for animals and plants. Groundwater provides drinking water entirely or in part for as much as 50% of the global population and accounts for 43% of all water used for irrigation. Worldwide, 2.5 billion people depend solely on groundwater resources to satisfy their basic daily water needs. The Earth’s population of nearly 8 billion in 2020 is expected to reach 11 billion by 2100. Humans will have to learn to produce sufficient food without destroying the soil, water and climate. This has been called the greatest challenge humanity has faced. Sustainable management of groundwater is at the heart of the solution. Scientific understanding and proper management of groundwater is essential because groundwater can alleviate the problem if we seek its responsible use and replenishment. Modern scientific measurements show that many of the major aquifers (groundwater reservoirs) of the world are being depleted. Such depletion can lead to a decrease in stream flow, drying of springs or wetlands, loss of vegetation, water-level declines in wells, and land subsidence. Yet another threat to groundwater is pollution resulting from human activity, generating chemicals and wastes that have leaked into the subsurface. Pollution degrades the quality of groundwater and poses a threat to human and ecological health. As the human population grows, more demand will be placed on groundwater, a vast, but finite, resource. The need for understanding our groundwater systems and thoughtfully managing them within the constraints of the hydrologic cycle is greater than ever. In this paper, our primary objective is to examine the history of the water crisis in India, critical risk tipping points and delve into the analysis of how we arrived at the current state of groundwater depletion, exploring the specific conditions and factors that have led us here. Furthermore, we will project the trajectory of this situation and assess where we are headed. Most importantly, we will outline the vision for the future that we aim to craft, considering the well-being of the next generations and the sustainability of India's groundwater resources.

A VECM Analysis on the Impact of Agricultural Exports, Financial Openness and Trade Openness on India's Ecological Footprint

The 21st century has witnessed a surge in concerns surrounding environmental degradation, prompting investigations into its contributing factors. This study delves into the impact of agricultural exports and financial openness on the ecological footprint of India, utilizing time series data for a comprehensive analysis. Employing unit root tests and the VECM model for cointegration analysis, the study offers compelling insights. The findings reveal a positive association between agricultural exports and a reduction in India’s ecological footprint in both the long and short run, suggesting that increased agricultural exports contribute to environmental sustainability. The study demonstrates a positive association between financial openness and the ecological footprint, indicating that increasing financial openness leads to environmental sustainability in India. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the potential trade-offs between economic growth and environmental protection. Conversely, the study identifies trade openness is negatively associated with the Ecological Footprint, increase in trade openness leads to an increase in environmental degradation. Furthermore, the study identifies economic growth as an additional factor significantly impacting India’s ecological footprint. These findings underscore the complex interplay between various economic and environmental forces. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable development by providing valuable empirical evidence on the specific case of Ind. The findings offer policymakers crucial insights for crafting strategies that promote economic growth while minimizing environmental harm.

Bioactive Feed Ingredients used in Aquaculture: A Review

Food security is a critical concern for nations like India, where poverty affects access to nutritious food for a significant portion of the population. While India has made strides in addressing this issue through agricultural revolutions, evolving demands necessitate a reformation in aquaculture practices. With a global surge in demand for fish and fisheries products due to their nutritional benefits, aquaculture has become pivotal. However, the intensification of aquaculture brings risks such as disease outbreaks and rising costs of essential feed ingredients like fish meal, particularly impacting the shrimp industry. To mitigate these challenges, exploring alternatives like bioactive feed additives sourced from marine and agricultural origins emerges as a promising solution. Marine derivatives such as algae offer nutritional benefits and bioactive compounds, while agri-industrial wastes provide versatile applications, including medicinal plant extracts and plant-based ingredients. Additionally, complex bioactive feed ingredients like probiotics, prebiotics, metabiotics, and phytobiotics show promise for enhancing the health and productivity of cultivated aquatic organisms. Integration of these alternatives into aquaculture practices presents a sustainable approach to improving food security, feeding efficiency, animal health and economic sustainability in India and beyond.

Beyond the metropolis: street tree communities and resident perceptions on ecosystem services in small urban centers in India

Abstract Although 41% of the global urban population lives in smaller cities, the nature and trajectories of urban nature, ecosystem services and human-nature connections in smaller centers is relatively unknown. While megacities in developed countries move towards biophilic urban planning and participatory decision making, basic information on tree communities and their perceived services is a bottleneck in achieving these goals in such small urban centers. Through a combination of field measurements (258 transects, 931 trees) and semi-structured interviews (497 individuals), we assessed the street tree community and resident perceptions of ecosystem service values in two coastal cities on the west coast of India that are under rapid change. We found that mean street tree density is low in both cities, and corresponds to perceptions of recent change in tree cover (−28% in Kochi, −11% in Panjim). The street tree community in both cities were dominated by ornamental avenue trees such as Albizia saman and Peltophorum pterocarpum, but native coastal species like Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa and Thespesia populnea were also common. Despite recent urban growth, residents in both cities reported low value of trees for food, fodder and medicine, but high value for regulating services like shade and water. Moreover, we found strong evidence for aesthetic and cultural values of trees in both cities. Our study establishes critical baselines for biophilic planning in these small urban centers towards urban sustainability in India.

Indigenous Festivals and Climate Sustainability in India: A Case Study of Cultural Practices and Performances

With the inadequacy of the Western frameworks in addressing climate change, there is a need to integrate indigenous knowledge systems into the global framework to harness climate sustainability. The historical marginalization of the indigenous people in India in the colonial era has continued through the present postcolonial era, leading to environmental exploitation and social dislocation of the Adivasis. This has resulted in a severance of the transmission of sustainable practices embedded in the tribal cultures into the global framework. Advocating for the integration of indigenous ecological wisdom into global strategies, this paper will highlight the significance of tribal festivals like ‘Sarhul,’ ‘Baha,’ and ‘Kunde Habba’ in reinforcing climate resilience. Indian tribal festivals have traditionally popularised sustainable practices and rituals to stay in harmony with nature, and the sacred sites located in the indigenous communities function as sites for rituals and festivals fostering ecological sustainability. This paper explores how tribal art forms like ‘Warli’ and ‘Gond’ art imbue communities with ecological consciousness and resilience, and through storytelling and artistic expressions, it raises awareness about climate issues and empowers communities to safeguard ecosystems vital for all life forms. This paper asserts that traditional performance cultures, manifested through rituals, dances, and art, serve as catalysts for sustainable practices, biodiversity conservation, and community resilience, and advocates for a recentring of the indigenous performances to resist Anthropocentric and Capitalocentric practices.

Forging a sustainable path: improving India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining operations for a better tomorrow

PurposeSustainability is a major challenge for India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining industry. The government has prioritized sustainable growth in the coal mining industry. It is putting forth multifaceted economic, environmental and social efforts to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This research aims to identify the factors for sustainable improvements in coal mining operations. Secondly, this study examines the intensity of causal relations among the factors. Thirdly, this study examines whether causal relations exist among the factors to be considered for sustainable improvement in coal mining operations. Lastly, the study aims to understand how the factors ensure sustainable improvement in coal mining operations.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated three-phase methodology was applied to identify the critical factors related to coal mining and explore the contextual relationships among the identified factors. Fifteen critical factors were selected based on the Delphi technique. Subsequently, the fifteen factors were analyzed to determine the contextual and causal relationships using the total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) and DEMATEL methods.FindingsThe study identified “Extraction of Coal and Overburden” as the leading factor for sustainable improvement in coal mining operations, because it directly or indirectly influences the overall mining operation, environmental impact and resource utilization. Hence, strict control measures are necessary in “Extraction of Coal and Overburden” to ensure sustainable coal mining. Conversely, “Health Impact” is the lagging factor as it has very low or no impact on the system. Therefore, it requires fewer control mechanisms. Nevertheless, control measures for the remaining factors must be decided on a priority basis.Practical implicationsThe proposed structural model can serve as a framework for enhancing sustainability in India’s (Bharat’s) coal mining operations. This framework can also be applied to other developing nations with similar sustainability concerns, providing valuable guidance for sustainable operations.Originality/valueThe current study highlights the significance of logical links and dependencies between several parameters essential to coal mining sustainability. Furthermore, it leads to the development of a well-defined control sequence that identifies the causal linkages between numerous components needed to achieve real progress towards sustainability.

Measuring the Impact of Technology Innovations and Renewable Energy Consumption for Enhancing Environmental Sustainability in India: Empirical Evidence from ARDL Approach

Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at a breakneck pace is a serious problem for sustainable development. To ensure climate-protected sustainable development, we have to promote safe and sustainable energy for the future. Here, the production and consumption of renewable energy is having a vital role. Apart from this, technological innovation is also crucial to taste the benefits of renewable energy and reduce the emission of different harmful gases. Against this backdrop, the present study intends to investigate the contribution of technological innovation along with the use of renewable energy in ensuring environmental sustainability in India using the ARDL model. Further, the Granger causality test is also performed in this study to check the direction of causality among the variables. The results of this study reveal that renewable energy consumption reduces CO2 emissions in India in both the short and long run. This means that using renewable energy would help India to bring environmental sustainability through reducing CO2 emissions. However, a positive relationship is noted between technological innovation and CO2 emissions. This may imply innovation in technology in India is unable to act as an instrument to bring environmental sustainability.

Sow Green, Reap Prosperity: Role of FDI towards Agricultural Sustainability in India

Sow Green, Reap Prosperity: Role of FDI towards Agricultural Sustainability in India