In a few days; time, the third most-polluted country in the world will have a new government taking oath in New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital city. A sobering reminder for those assuming power that from here on they will do better if they prioritise ecology over economy, environment over development, and long-term benefits over short-term gains, in their 100-day plans, 5-year programmes, and 1,000-year vision.
India has been ranked lowest (180th out of 180 countries) on the 2022 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), 111th on the 2023 Global Hunger Index, 134th in the 2023 Human Development Index, and 112th among 166 countries for its performance in 2023 towards achieving the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is believed that the success of Agenda 2030 globally will depend, in a decisive way, on the progress India makes on the…
