India’s Green Credit Programme (GCP), intended to encourage voluntary afforestation, is mired in controversy. Internal documents accessed by IndiaSpend reveal forced evictions of local communities in Assam and other states, with cleared land being used for plantations. The programme faces allegations of violating the Forest Rights Act by fencing off lands claimed by forest-dwelling communities. Implementation is plagued by irregularities, including financial mismanagement, planting monocultures instead of diverse forests, and selecting unsuitable sites like rocky terrain. Experts criticize the GCP for potentially violating international norms on social justice and local participation, as it prioritizes tree planting for corporate credits over community rights.

Indian exporters are preparing for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which places a carbon cost on imports like steel, cement, and aluminium based on their emissions.To stay competitive, Indian industries are increasingly focusing on measuring and reporting emissions, improving energy efficiency, adopting cleaner technologies, and shifting to renewable energy. Companies are also strengthening data systems and compliance processes to meet stricter global standards.The article notes that while CBAM poses challenges, such as higher costs and regulatory complexity, it also creates opportunities for Indian firms to modernize operations, enhance sustainability, and access green markets. Overall, adapting to carbon pricing is becoming essential for maintaining export competitiveness and aligning with global climate goals.

As India rapidly urbanizes, sustainability must be at the core of city development to ensure long-term livability and resilience. It highlights challenges such as pollution, water scarcity, waste management, and infrastructure stress, which are intensifying with urban growth.The article emphasizes the need for integrated urban planning, including green infrastructure, efficient public transport, renewable energy, and circular waste systems. It also stresses the role of policy support, private investment, and citizen participation in driving this transition. Ultimately, it concludes that embedding sustainability into urban transformation is essential for creating inclusive, resilient, and future-ready cities in India.

Inspiring examples of community-led water conservation across India, show how local action is addressing water scarcity in diverse regions like Ladakh, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Chilika (Odisha). From reviving traditional water systems and building check dams to protecting wetlands and managing rainwater, these communities are using indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices to restore water security. The stories demonstrate that collective effort, local leadership, and nature-based solutions can successfully combat drought and climate challenges while improving livelihoods. Overall, the article underscores that grassroots initiatives are key to building a water-secure and climate-resilient future for India.

The article highlights India’s growing role as a key player in global clean energy innovation through cross-border collaboration, policy support, and technological advancement. It emphasizes that India is moving beyond merely adopting technologies to building an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects government, industry, finance, and research institutions. The country is leveraging initiatives like green hydrogen, energy storage, and digital energy systems to drive sustainable growth and industrial decarbonization. International partnerships and knowledge exchange are identified as crucial for scaling solutions and reducing risks in emerging technologies. Overall, India is positioning itself as both a major clean energy market and a global hub for innovation, contributing significantly to the global sustainability ecosystem.

India’s chemical and manufacturing sectors are increasingly embracing green chemistry principles to reduce environmental impact while remaining globally competitive. It highlights the shift toward safer solvents, energy-efficient processes, waste minimisation, and renewable feedstocks as industries respond to tighter regulations and ESG expectations. The article emphasizes that sustainable manufacturing is not just environmentally necessary but also economically strategic, helping companies cut costs, improve resource efficiency, and access international markets with stricter sustainability standards. However, it notes that wider adoption requires stronger policy support, industry–academia collaboration, innovation investment, and skill development. Overall, the piece argues that green chemistry can position India as a leader in sustainable industrial growth if backed by long-term commitment and systemic change.

Sustainability has shifted from a peripheral CSR activity to a core strategic concern for corporate boards. Driven by climate risks, regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and evolving consumer preferences, companies are increasingly integrating ESG considerations into governance, risk management, and long-term strategy. The article highlights that boards are now focusing on climate disclosures, supply chain resilience, sustainable finance, and accountability metrics, recognizing that environmental and social performance directly impact financial outcomes and brand value. It concludes that sustainability is no longer optional, it is a leadership and governance imperative essential for competitiveness, resilience, and stakeholder trust in a rapidly changing global economy.

Sustainability initiatives can only achieve large-scale impact if they are financially viable and commercially attractive. Naresh Tyagi of the Indian Chemical Council (ICCS) stresses that while environmental responsibility is critical, businesses will adopt green practices more widely when they align with profitability, cost efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. The article underscores the need for policy support, innovation, and industry collaboration to create market-driven sustainability solutions, particularly in energy transition, resource efficiency, and circular economy practices. It concludes that making sustainability economically practical is essential for accelerating India’s broader climate and industrial goals.