However, the idea of environmental sustainability goes beyond the conservation of nature. Natural resources- and the environment in general- are different from many economic goods and services in that they are simultaneously an important part of ecological cycles, inputs to production processes, and a source of enjoyment for households and individuals. Economic production of goods often results in depletion or depreciation of the environment, and often does not have a direct price factored in.
The “art” of balancing nature and development so that social welfare does not decline over time is at the core of environmental sustainability.
India is on track to meeting the MDG on water coverage, though quality and sustainability remain key issues. On sanitation, achieving the MDG will demand massive investments in facilities and even more in changing hygiene practices.
In 2004, water coverage stood at 94% of rural habitations. Despite impressive coverage of some initiatives on safe drinking water facilities in rural areas, there is a great deal of concern about water quality and sustainability. The current situation also calls for an urgent transformation in managing fresh water resources and conservation and cooperation among water users through wise water management.
Household access to toilets, as low as 5% in 1990, is accelerating, particularly during the last two years. According to government data, the percentage of households with some form of toilet is now about 36%. Presently, sanitation coverage stands at 35% among the rural population, which means this level needs to rise to 53% by 2015 to meet the MDG target. This is a huge challenge in terms of investment, creation of facilities and related hygiene practices. GOI has launched major reforms in the water and sanitation sector in rural areas through national water supply programmes (Swajaldhara) and the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC), which are demand-driven and community-managed. |
