This year, World Environment Day comes at a time when India's
growth story has run into trouble. With growth at a nine-year
low of 5.3% in the first quarter, it may seem like an odd time
to talk about green growth, which requires re-evaluating
fundamental choices made to fuel growth. However, as we consider
ways to stimulate growth, it would be worthwhile, even
essential, to consider options that would make growth more
inclusive and sustainable - in other words, a green economy.
India's quest for growth with an aim to pull out millions of its
people from poverty is a necessary and legitimate pursuit. But
so is the pursuit of a clean and safe environment.
Notwithstanding global upheavals, India's growth over the last
20 years of liberalisation, particularly in the last 10 years,
has been ahead of the global curve. As ordinary people, we see
it in the increased purchasing power of a proportionately small
yet sizeable section. We see it as increased vehicular traffic,
housing and changes in food consumption patt