India is grappling with increasingly severe environmental challenges in 2025. From rising temperatures and erratic rainfall to hazardous air quality and deteriorating biodiversity, the country faces a multifaceted ecological crisis that demands urgent and systemic action.
The State of India’s Environment 2025 report, released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), paints a sobering picture. It warns that the next generation will grow up in an environment significantly hotter and more polluted than today. Urban air quality, especially in metro cities like Delhi, remains critically poor, with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) far exceeding safe limits. This has led to a spike in respiratory diseases, especially among children and the elderly.
Water scarcity is another pressing issue. Many Indian cities are now experiencing what experts call “Day Zero” scenarios — days when no potable water is available from traditional sources. Groundwater depletion, untreated industrial discharge into rivers, and poor wastewater management have exacerbated the crisis.
The report also highlights the under-regulated use of chemicals in agriculture and industry. Chemical pollution is not only degrading soil quality but also affecting food safety and causing long-term health issues. Despite growing awareness, chemical usage continues to outpace regulatory capacity, partly due to lax enforcement and the economic pressures faced by small-scale industries and farmers.
Climate change-induced disasters like flash floods, forest fires, and prolonged droughts are becoming more frequent. States such as Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Yet, the country’s disaster preparedness and urban planning remain inadequate.
On the policy front, the Indian government has initiated several commendable programs like the National Electric Mobility Mission, Clean Air Programme, and Green India Mission. However, implementation bottlenecks, insufficient funding, and inter-agency coordination issues have hampered effectiveness.
Notably, environmental issues are beginning to influence political narratives. In recent elections, parties were compelled to include environmental promises in their manifestos. Youth-led climate movements and NGOs are raising awareness and pressuring for more accountability.
For India to truly address its environmental crisis, systemic reforms are necessary. These include stricter pollution controls, better urban planning, investment in renewable energy, and community-driven conservation efforts. With its vast population and developing economy, India's environmental choices will not only shape its own future but also influence global sustainability outcomes.