Environmental Assessment: State of India’s Environment 2025 Reveals Alarming Indicators.

India’s environmental landscape in 2025 is facing critical challenges, as highlighted in the latest State of India’s Environment Report 2025 by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth. The report paints a stark picture of rising pollution levels, biodiversity loss, and climate-related disasters, demanding urgent corrective measures for sustainable growth.

Key Findings of State of India’s Environment 2025

1. Air Pollution
   • India remains home to 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities.
   • Annual average PM2.5 levels in several Tier-II cities exceed WHO’s safe limits by 7–10 times.
   • Vehicular emissions and industrial activities remain major contributors.
2. Climate Change & Disasters
   • India witnessed extreme weather events on 320 days in 2024, making 2025 one of the worst years for climate-linked disasters.
   • Himalayan states reported frequent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and landslides, killing hundreds.
   • Coastal states suffered severe cyclones, storm surges, and saline intrusion.
3. Biodiversity & Forest Cover
   • Deforestation for infrastructure and mining continues to reduce natural habitats.
   • Tamil Nadu has been flagged for lowest rosewood tree density in South India, highlighting ecosystem degradation.
   • Wetlands and mangroves are under severe encroachment pressures.
4. Water Stress
   • Over 60% of India’s districts face either water scarcity or quality issues.
   • Fluoride, arsenic, and nitrate contamination affect rural drinking water sources.
5. Waste Management
   • India generates 65 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with only 35% scientifically processed.
   • E-waste is growing at 10% annually, raising health and environmental risks.

Government Response and Policy Measures

• National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023–2030): Targets clean fuel transition.
• Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) Mission: Encourages sustainable consumption.
• National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change: Supporting climate-resilient agriculture.
• State governments are working on climate action plans, but implementation remains uneven.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is crucial for:

• GS Paper 3 (Environment, Ecology, Disaster Management)
• Essay Paper (Sustainable Development, Climate Change)
• Prelims (Current Affairs & Environment Reports)

Conclusion

The State of India’s Environment 2025 Report is a wake-up call. India’s rapid economic growth cannot come at the cost of environmental sustainability. Strengthening climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and water security must become central to governance. For UPSC aspirants, this report provides critical insights into the intersection of environment and development.