India is increasing industrialisation for GDP; but GDP at what cost?: Dr TV Ramachandra, Scientist IISc
Shaping a Green India: Dr TV Ramachandra on Urban Planning and Climate Resilience
Transforming India’s Environmental Outlook: Dr TV Ramachandra, Scientist, IISc
Sustainable urban development was in focus on the latest episode of the “What India Needs!” podcast. Dr TV Ramachandra, a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and an authority on environmental sustainability, joined media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul to discuss the pressing issues related to industrialisation, its impact on India’s green cover, and the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and resilient systems to combat climate change.
Industrial projects, infrastructure development, and agriculture expansion have all taken a toll on India’s green cover. Forest area nationwide has decreased by almost a third between 1930 and 2013, as per data from the National Remote Sensing Centre and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). There is therefore an urgent need for decisive action to preserve and expand India’s forests.
Speaking with Paul, Dr Ramachandra explained that industrialisation should not compromise natural resources. He said, “They are increasing industrialisation to support the gross domestic product (GDP), but GDP at what cost? If you have money but no water and no air to breathe, what is the point of GDP? What you need is a sustainable solution. You need to sustain the natural resources, and at the same time, plan the city.” Today, nearly 600 million people in India experience high to extreme water crises, and almost 70% of water is not fit for consumption, according to the Water Composite Index report by NITI Aayog.
With more and more people flocking to urban centres, the pressure on Indian metros is mounting. Paul pointed out that easing pressure on large Indian cities could help. “Making tier 2 and tier 3 towns hubs of jobs would be good for all but we see few companies doing that. Tier 2 and tier 3 have so much consumer demand but there are very few who are actually setting up businesses here,” she said.
To address these urban challenges and implement balanced growth, Dr Ramachandra proposed a cluster-based development model. He explained, “We need to plan industries based on the resources available in a region. For instance, steel industries should be located where there is an abundance of iron ore rather than spreading them throughout the country. This approach would reduce illogical urbanisation patterns and promote sustainable development.”
He also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in accelerating development projects, as innovations now make it possible for tasks that once took two to three years to be completed in just six months. Research by PwC UK indicates that AI’s impact on agriculture, water, energy, and transport could contribute up to US$5.2 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Meanwhile, significant changes are on the horizon with initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme, which aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity through residential rooftop installations, reducing 720 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions over 25 years.
Commenting on the need to incorporate sustainability into urban planning, Dr Ramachandra touched upon how green belts and urban forests counteract the environmental impacts of urbanisation. He also highlighted the importance of advanced technology in monitoring and managing natural resources, aiming to balance development and conservation. His vision involves leveraging smart technologies to build resilient, sustainable cities that promote both ecological health and economic growth.
The conversation between Dr TV Ramachandra and Shutapa Paul on the “What India Needs!” podcast offered a blueprint for sustainable development. Through an insightful discussion addressing the effects of industrialisation, the scope for sustainable urban planning, and the need to build resilient systems for climate change, they shared a vision of a green future for India.
About the “What India Needs!” Podcast
“What India Needs!” is a thought-provoking podcast dedicated to exploring key topics crucial to India’s development. Our mission is to delve into pressing issues, engage with experts and
thought leaders, and uncover actionable solutions for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Join us as we navigate the complexities of India’s growth, from policy and governance to technology and innovation, fostering informed discussions that inspire change and drive progress. To know more, check out our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/
About Shutapa Paul
The host of the “What India Needs!” podcast, Shutapa Paul, is an anchor, commentator, author, and media entrepreneur. After a successful career in journalism, she founded Dharma Media Consultants, an award-winning brand-building and communications company. Her deep knowledge and experience in the investing, startup, and impact ecosystem have earned her numerous accolades, including being listed in Businessworld’s 40 Under 40 (PR & Corp Comm), Social Samosa’s 40 Under 40, and Agency Reporter’s 40 Under 40. She is also the recipient of Business World’s Excel Communications Personality of the Year award and ranks among LinkedIn’s “Top Voices.” With Shutapa Paul at the helm, the “What India Needs!” podcast promises to be a vibrant platform for discussing impactful ideas and insights.
About Dr TV Ramachandra
Dr TV Ramachandra, a distinguished Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (FIE) and the Institution of Electrical Engineers (FIEE, UK), earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Energy from the Indian Institute of Science. Currently, he serves as the Coordinator of the Energy and Wetlands Research Group (EWRG) and the Convener of the Environmental Information System (ENVIS) at the Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES). Over the past two decades, he has built a vibrant research community focusing on energy and environmental issues.
His diverse research portfolio include Energy, Wetlands, Soil and Water Pollution, GIS and Remote Sensing, and Environmental Education.
He has also honed his expertise in areas such as renewable energy, integrated energy planning, conservation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity-ecology-hydrology linkages, ecological modeling, wetland management, soil and water pollution, bioremediation, and municipal solid waste management.
