Nishtha Kawrani has always had a deep love for words, shaped by over five years of writing and a lasting fondness for fiction. At The Better India, she writes about lifestyle, sustainability, travel, and changemakers shaping everyday life. With a background in media and marketing, she enjoys turning conscious choices and real people into stories that inspire optimism and action.
Urban forests in Indian cities are emerging as vital tools against rising urban heat, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Delhi are developing green corridors and Miyawaki-style forests to lower surface temperatures and improve air quality. However, experts caution that poor planning and species selection can limit their effectiveness. Urban forests must reflect local ecology, provide community access, and integrate with city planning to truly support both people and ecosystems. The article stresses that inclusive, science-based, and community-driven greening strategies are essential for cities to harness nature’s cooling power while ensuring long-term ecological balance.
The Indian government has released draft guidelines to assign unique identification numbers termed “Battery Pack Aadhaar”; to electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This system aims to improve traceability, recycling, and sustainability throughout a battery’s lifecycle. The initiative will help monitor battery performance, ensure safe disposal or reuse, and support circular economy goals by tracking materials from production to end-of-life. It reflects India’s broader effort to build a transparent, accountable, and sustainable EV ecosystem.
Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT) in promoting eco-friendly and responsible tourism across South Asia. The initiative focuses on rewilding landscapes, supporting local communities, and encouraging wildlife conservation through tourism. By setting sustainability standards for lodges and tour operators, TOFT helps reduce the ecological footprint of travel while generating livelihoods for rural populations. The article emphasizes that TOFT’s model demonstrates how tourism, when managed responsibly, can become a force for conservation and community empowerment in the region.
South Asia’s path to sustainability depends on integrating environmental economics into policy and planning. Experts highlight that the region’s rapid growth, coupled with rising climate risks, demands a balance between economic development and ecological preservation. They stress the need to value natural resources, invest in green infrastructure, and adopt inclusive economic models that account for environmental costs. Collaboration between governments, academia, and industries is seen as vital for building resilience and achieving long-term sustainability. The article concludes that without factoring in environmental economics, South Asia risks undermining both its economic stability and ecological future.
India’s real estate sector is undergoing a major sustainability transformation. With growing climate concerns, regulatory pushes, and rising environmental awareness among buyers, developers are increasingly adopting green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and eco-friendly materials. It highlights the rapid rise of LEED- and IGBC-certified projects, showcasing how both commercial and residential properties are integrating solar power, rainwater harvesting, waste management, and smart energy systems to reduce carbon footprints and operational costs. Additionally, ESG mandates, corporate responsibility goals, and government incentives such as the Green Building Rating System are accelerating this shift. Sustainability is no longer optional in Indian real estate—it’s becoming a core value driver, shaping market demand, investment decisions, and the future of urban development toward a low-carbon, resilient built environment.
Climate-focused startups are gaining momentum in the region but face systemic challenges that hinder large-scale impact. Despite strong entrepreneurial energy and innovation in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management, these startups often struggle with limited financing, policy uncertainty, and fragmented infrastructure. Green startups must prioritize scalability, affordability, and partnerships with governments and large corporations. Access to climate finance, integration with national sustainability goals, and adoption of region-specific solutions are key to long-term success. It also calls for policy frameworks that de-risk investment and for startups to build business models balancing profit with measurable environmental and social outcomes. South Asia’s green transition depends not just on innovation, but on collaborative ecosystems that align entrepreneurship, policy, and finance for sustainable growth.
This article pays tribute to ecologist Dr Madhav Gadgil, whose pioneering work reshaped India’s approach to environmental conservation. Known for leading the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, Gadgil championed community participation, transparency, and sustainable development in environmental governance. His philosophy emphasised empowering local communities to protect biodiversity rather than imposing top-down regulations. The article highlights how his ideas continue to inspire eco-sensitive planning, grassroots conservation, and environmental justice across India, making him a central figure in people-led ecological stewardship.
This article celebrates individuals and communities driving impactful environmental restoration across the country. It highlights grassroots leaders revitalizing rivers, lakes, forests, and farmlands through water conservation, reforestation, soil regeneration, and waste management initiatives. From farmers reviving barren land to innovators building eco-friendly water systems, these changemakers demonstrate how local action can yield large-scale ecological recovery. The article underscores that India’s sustainability future lies in community-led, nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.
Ganesha Ecosphere is transforming India’s textile sector through large-scale recycling and circular economy practices. As one of the country’s pioneers in rPET (recycled polyester fiber and yarn) production, the company recycles billions of PET bottles annually into fibers used in apparel, furnishings, and technical textiles. Its operations combine advanced recycling technology, supply chain transparency, and sustainable product innovation, positioning it as a global example of textile circularity. The article underscores Ganesha’s vision to reduce plastic waste, conserve resources, and make sustainable fashion mainstream in India..
