From Stockholm 1972 to 2022: Holistic and multidisciplinary approach by India to attain sustainability

Abstract

Human activity for economic and social development has reached a dangerous level and has affected the climate of our planet. Globally, the world is confronting multiple challenges to achieve a sustainable environment and prevent climate change. The concept of sustainability came into existence fifty years ago in the United Nations Conference on Environment held in Stockholm in 1972. For the first time, the catastrophic consequences of over-exploitation of natural resources and technological advancements were discussed and concern for environment, as an issue of international politics, was raised. Since past five decades, a lot of efforts are being made at the international level for achieving sustainable development. The present paper attempts to analyse the development of the concept of sustainability in India and the efforts being made at the national, state and local level to achieve the goal of sustainability. India‟s commitment to achieve sustainable goals is reflected in its national development agenda „Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas‟ (Collective efforts for Inclusive Growth). Environmental protection and conservation have been promoted by implementing various laws and policy instruments to move towards the path of sustainable development. Efforts have been made to integrate social, economic and technological factors and adopt holistic approach to achieve sustainable development.