Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Development planning, traditionally focused on economic growth indicators like GDP, often overlooks the inherent environmental costs associated with progress. It refers to the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of a nation. However, this pursuit frequently comes at the expense of natural resources and ecological integrity. Environmental cost encompasses the degradation of ecosystems, depletion of resources, pollution, and loss of biodiversity resulting from development activities. Recognizing these costs is crucial for achieving truly sustainable development, as highlighted by the Brundtland Report (1987) which defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Impacts of Development on the Environment
Development projects, while essential for socio-economic progress, invariably exert pressure on the environment. These impacts manifest in various forms:
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of dams, roads, and urban centers leads to deforestation, habitat loss, and alteration of river flows. For example, the Sardar Sarovar Dam project on the Narmada River, while providing irrigation and hydropower, resulted in displacement of communities and significant ecological disruption.
- Industrialization: Industrial activities generate pollution (air, water, soil) and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The concentration of industries in the Gangetic plains has severely impacted the water quality of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.
- Agricultural Expansion: Intensive agriculture, driven by the Green Revolution, has led to overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, causing soil degradation, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. Punjab, a major agricultural state, faces declining groundwater levels due to excessive irrigation.
- Mining Activities: Extraction of minerals causes deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The iron ore mining in Odisha’s Keonjhar district has led to significant environmental damage and health problems for local communities.
Economic Valuation of Environmental Costs
Traditionally, environmental costs were considered ‘externalities’ – costs not reflected in market prices. However, recognizing their significance requires economic valuation. Several methods are employed:
- Contingent Valuation Method (CVM): Estimates willingness to pay for environmental improvements.
- Travel Cost Method (TCM): Determines the value of recreational sites based on travel expenses incurred by visitors.
- Hedonic Pricing Method (HPM): Analyzes the impact of environmental factors on property values.
- Replacement Cost Method (RCM): Calculates the cost of replacing damaged environmental assets.
Incorporating these valuations into cost-benefit analyses of development projects allows for a more holistic assessment of their true economic impact. The concept of ‘Genuine Progress Indicator’ (GPI) attempts to provide a more accurate measure of well-being than GDP by factoring in environmental and social costs.
Mitigation Strategies & Policy Framework
Addressing the environmental costs of development requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Mandatory assessment of the potential environmental consequences of development projects before their approval (EIA Notification, 2006).
- Polluter Pays Principle: Holding polluters accountable for the environmental damage they cause.
- Green Accounting: Integrating environmental costs into national accounting systems.
- Sustainable Consumption and Production: Promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste generation.
- Renewable Energy Transition: Shifting towards cleaner energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. The National Solar Mission (2010) is a step in this direction.
- Community Participation: Involving local communities in decision-making processes related to development projects.
The recent amendments to the EIA notification 2006 have been criticized by environmentalists for diluting environmental safeguards and reducing public participation.
Conclusion
Development planning and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive. While economic growth is vital, it must be pursued in a manner that minimizes environmental damage and ensures the long-term well-being of both present and future generations. Integrating environmental costs into development planning, adopting sustainable practices, and strengthening environmental regulations are crucial steps towards achieving a truly sustainable and equitable future. A paradigm shift towards ecological economics, recognizing the intrinsic value of nature, is essential for a balanced and harmonious relationship between development and the environment.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.