FOSTERING GREEN GROWTH: INDIA’S PATH IN ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN AMRIT KAAL FOR A VIKSIT BHARAT

Abstract

The paradigm of green growth has emerged as a fundamental component in dialogues pertaining to sustainable development, particularly within the context of rapidly advancing economies such as India. In light of the escalating environmental predicaments confronting the globe, the imperative for policies and methodologies that facilitate economic advancement whilst safeguarding ecological integrity has reached unprecedented levels of urgency. India, with its aspirational growth objectives, is tasked with the complex endeavor of balancing industrial expansion, resource utilization, and the mitigation of climate change. The period of Amrit Kaal, marking India's 75th year of independence, provides a critical opportunity to re imagine the nation's development trajectory, with a focus on sustainability and inclusive growth. This paper examines India’s path toward green growth, defined as an economic model that fosters economic prosperity while simultaneously ensuring environmental sustainability, social equity, and resilience to climate change. The study explores the country's policy framework, including initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and its alignment with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement. Key sectors driving green growth, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and green infrastructure, are evaluated for their potential to contribute to long-term economic and environmental goals. The research further investigates the financing mechanisms needed to support green growth, focusing on tools such as green bonds, impact investing, and international climate finance. The paper also highlights the social and economic implications of this transition, examining employment generation, poverty alleviation, and regional development in the context of a green economy. Finally, it identifies the barriers to green growth, including political, institutional, technological, and cultural challenges, and proposes strategic recommendations for overcoming them.