India’s developmental challenge lies in balancing environmental protection with the immediate survival needs of the poor. While sustainability is essential for long-term prosperity, policies may sometimes appear to restrict the poor’s access to resources, creating a conflict between ecology and livelihood security.

Conflicts Between Environmental Protection and Poor People's Needs

Resource Access Restrictions

• Forest-dependent communities lose access to traditional resources affecting 275 million people
• Fishing restrictions in marine protected areas impact coastal communities' livelihoods
• Mining bans in ecologically sensitive areas affect tribal employment in states like Odisha and Jharkhand
• Water usage regulations limiting agricultural practices of small farmers

Employment and Economic Impacts

• Textile industry closures due to pollution norms affecting 12 million workers
• Brick kilns shutdown impacting migrant laborers in Delhi-NCR
• Small-scale industries unable to afford pollution control equipment
• Construction sector restrictions affecting daily wage earners

Environmental Protection Supporting Poverty Alleviation

Green Employment Generation

• MGNREGA 2.0 creating 2.7 crore person-days through water conservation and afforestation
• National Clean Air Programme generating 15 lakh jobs in clean technology sector
• Swachh Bharat Mission employing 50 lakh sanitation workers
• Solar sector creating 1 million jobs under National Solar Mission

Sustainable Livelihood Models

• PM-KUSUM scheme benefiting 17.5 lakh farmers with solar irrigation
• Joint Forest Management covering 1.18 lakh committees nationwide
• Organic farming initiatives increasing farmer incomes by 20-30%
• Eco-tourism projects in Kerala backwaters and Rajasthan creating rural employment

Way Forward: Integrated Solutions

• Inclusive Green Policies – Subsidised solar pumps, clean cooking fuels, and low-cost housing.
• Participatory Conservation – Empowering local communities in decision-making on forests, water, and commons.
• Technology & Innovation – Affordable EVs, decentralized renewable energy for villages.
• Targeted Compensation – Social security nets for displaced communities due to environmental restrictions.
• Best Practices –
  • Costa Rica’s PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) model compensates locals for conservation.
  • China’s Green Poverty Alleviation Program links eco-restoration with jobs.
  • India’s MGNREGS used for water conservation and afforestation.

India's success in balancing this trilemma requires inclusive green growth strategies, exemplified by Kudumbashree Kerala's integration of environmental conservation with women's livelihood programs.