India Ranks Low on Global Environmental Performance Index 2018

It is alarming to note that, India is at the bottom of 2018 Global Environmental Performance Index (EPI) rankings. Recently, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has released its latest State of India’s Environment (SoE) in Figures, which shows India’s pathetic condition in dealing with the environment.

• SoE in Figures covers diverse subjects ranging from air pollution to environmental crimes, and sanitation to energy security
  
• India ranks 177 out of 180 nations globally in EPI; Switzerland tops the list
  
• India is far behind in achieving any of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); ranks 116 out of 157
  
• 6 out of 10 Indians continue to be poor, surviving on less than the US $3.20 per day
  
• More than half of the farmers in the country in debt; India’s food exports dipped by 64 percent over the last decade
  

According to data, India is unable to improve its air quality, protect its biodiversity, and cut its greenhouse gas emissions and therefore today it is at the bottom of the Global Environment Performance Index (EPI) rankings. In 2016, the country had ranked 141 out of 180 countries.

In 2018, according to the just-released State of India’s Environment (SoE) 2018 in Figures, it has slipped to the 177th position. The SoE in Figures is an annual compendium of environmental statistics put together by Down To Earth magazine, which Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) helps publish.

According to Sunita Narain, director general, CSE, “The State of India’s Environment 2018 in Figures is a quantified statement on issues and concerns of environment and development – issues and concerns which affect us deeply. While our other annual State of India’s Environment in print is a descriptive report, this one is a completely data-driven version for easy access and use.”

What does the SoE in Figures say about key environmental parameters

The state of our air: India scored 5.75 out of 100 in air quality. India’s disappointing performance and the gravity of the situation is further highlighted when compared with countries such as Switzerland and Japan, which have scored over 90.

The state of our water: The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launched the Har Ghar Jal Yojana to provide piped water supply to every household by 2030 to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. However, in 18 Indian states and UTs, over 82 percent rural households, which is the national average, remain without a tapped connection.

The state of our sanitation: Under the Swachh Bharat scheme, 72.1 million individual household toilets have been constructed, however, little has been done to popularize their use rendering the scheme ineffective. Funds allocated for spreading awareness among people, crucial for success in rural areas, have been lying unused.

The state of our energy: After missing its targets for two consecutive years, the Centre, it appears, is fast losing interest in meeting its ambitious target of installing 175 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2022. The poor performance will also hit the job-creation potential of the scheme, which was estimated to be over 300,000. Only 9 percent of the rooftop solar target has been met so far.

The state of our forests: While India’s total forest cover has registered a 0.2 percent increase between 2015 and 2017, there are some serious concerns over the growth pattern.

The SoE on environmental crimes: Since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) was set up in 2010, the number of environment-related police cases seem to be gradually decreasing. However, the number of court cases has drastically gone up.

The above presents a fearful picture of India’s environment. So, it is an urgent need to look into the environmental development of the country and the government with the participation of people has an important role to play.