Why is sustainable development essential ? Explain with examples.
Why is sustainable development essential ? Explain with examples.
Sustainable development is essential because economic growth must meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is necessary because resources are being used unsustainably: (1) natural resources like groundwater and forests are depleting faster than they regenerate — e.g., excessive irrigation in Punjab has caused groundwater tables to fall drastically; (2) unregulated industrial and vehicular growth causes pollution and environmental degradation, as seen in Delhi's air quality crisis; and (3) over-exploitation, such as overfishing in the Arabian Sea, deprives future generations of the same resources, violating inter-generational equity. Hence, sustainable development is essential to balance economic growth with resource conservation.
Marking Scheme
- 11 mark: correct explanation of why sustainable development is needed (protecting resources/environment for future generations without stopping present growth).
- 21 mark: at least one relevant example illustrating unsustainable practice (e.g., falling water table, deforestation, pollution).
- 31 mark: a second distinct example or a concluding statement on balancing growth with conservation (e.g., renewable energy use).
Hint
Link resource depletion, pollution, and future generations — then give at least two real examples.
Quick Oral Answer
Sustainable development is essential because it ensures resources are used at a rate that allows them to regenerate, so that economic growth today does not destroy the resource base needed by future generations — for example, over-extraction of groundwater in Punjab shows why we must use resources wisely.
Analysis & Explanation
This 3-mark question from 'Sectors of the Indian Economy' asks WHY sustainable development is essential, not just what it means.
Concept
- Development driven only by profit/short-term gain, without regard for resource renewal, depletes resources and damages the environment, threatening future growth itself.
- Key link: resources are limited or renewable only at a fixed rate, so unchecked use today reduces what is available tomorrow.
Key points to include
- State the reason (present growth must not compromise future generations' ability to meet their needs).
- Support with at least two concrete examples — ideally Indian, since the chapter is on the Indian economy.
Common mistakes
- Giving only the abstract Brundtland-style definition without explaining WHY it matters (i.e., without linking to consequences like resource exhaustion, pollution, or inter-generational injustice).
- Using a single vague example instead of two distinct, specific ones.
Real-world application
- India's renewable-energy push (solar parks in Rajasthan and Gujarat, National Solar Mission) and afforestation (Green India Mission) are direct policy responses to this need.
Common Mistakes
- 1Giving only the textbook definition of sustainable development without explaining 'why' it is essential.
- 2Citing examples unrelated to India or too vague (e.g., 'pollution is bad') instead of specific cases like groundwater depletion in Punjab.
- 3Confusing sustainable development with economic development in general.
Interesting Facts
The concept of sustainable development was formally defined in the 1987 Brundtland Report 'Our Common Future' by the World Commission on Environment and Development.
Punjab's groundwater table has fallen by over 10 metres in many blocks since the 1970s due to intensive paddy cultivation, a classic case cited in NCERT for unsustainable resource use.
India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008) and the International Solar Alliance (launched 2015) are major sustainable development initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is sustainable development in simple terms?
It means using natural resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Give one Indian example of unsustainable resource use.
Excessive extraction of groundwater for irrigation in Punjab and Haryana has drastically lowered the water table, threatening future water availability.
How can India achieve sustainable development?
By promoting renewable energy (solar, wind), water conservation, afforestation, recycling, and stricter pollution control in industries.