State of India’s Environment in Figures
The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has brought into light a critical situation in India as World Environment Day approaches. The 2025 report, “State of India’s Environment in Figures,” reveals alarming trends in environmental degradation, public health, and economic stability. The report uses 48 indicators to assess the performance of all 36 states and Union Territories. It paints a grim picture of a nation facing extreme weather and inadequate infrastructure.
Environmental Management
Andhra Pradesh leads in environmental management, driven by efforts in forest and biodiversity conservation. However, it struggles with sewage treatment and river pollution. Sikkim excels in agriculture through organic farming but faces challenges in farmer welfare. Goa ranks highest in public health and infrastructure but suffers from a shortage of hospital beds.
Impact of Extreme Weather
The year 2024 was a turning point, marked by unprecedented weather patterns. Twenty-five states recorded record rainfall. Extreme weather events occurred on 88% of days, leading to internal displacement. Floods caused two-thirds of the 5.4 million displacements, with Assam being the most affected.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
India’s greenhouse gas emissions reached a historic high of 7.8% of global emissions. The growth rate of emissions has accelerated, increasing nearly one percentage point from 2020 to 2023. This trend raises concerns about India’s climate commitments and environmental sustainability.
Water and Waste Management
Groundwater depletion is critical, with 135 districts extracting water from depths exceeding 40 metres. Toxic heavy metals contaminate almost half of monitored river sites. E-waste surged by 147% in seven years, and plastic waste reached an all-time high of 4.14 million tonnes. The government’s legacy waste remediation efforts remain inadequate, with only half completed by the 2026 deadline.
Human-Animal Conflict
Forest clearances for development reached a decade-high, disrupting wildlife corridors. This has led to increased human-animal conflicts, with a 36% rise in human deaths due to elephant attacks. Tiger attacks also contributed to fatalities.
Public Health Crisis
Air pollution continues to be a severe health issue. Residents in major cities experience unsafe air quality frequently. Life expectancy in Delhi is reduced by nearly eight years due to pollution. Public health systems are overburdened, with shortfall in community health centres and specialists.
Economic Challenges
The economic landscape is precarious. Real incomes for workers have declined since 2017. More than 73% of the workforce is informal, lacking basic protections. Gender disparities in employment are stark, with men dominating full-time positions while women’s participation remains low.
Call for Action
CSE’s report urges the government to enhance data collection and transparency. Reliable data is essential for formulating effective solutions and policies. The report serves as important reminder of the urgent need for corrective actions across various sectors.
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