No longer confined to ecology alone, the fight for nature has become a fight for national resilience, economic stability, and public safety. With ecosystems under strain and communities increasingly vulnerable, safeguarding the environment is not an option — it’s a necessity for survival
As the World observed “World Environment Day” on June 5, the message of this yearly event holds deeper meaning for India than ever before. With the nation grappling with an increase in extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and climate-related threats, the need for ecological preservation has evolved into a concern that extends beyond ecological issues to encompass national security and resilience. This year, as communities throughout India face a fresh wave of disasters, ranging from catastrophic floods in the Northeast to heatwaves scorching the plains and landslides in the fragile Himalayan region, it is evident that safeguarding the environment is no longer a choice. It is essential for preserving lives, livelihoods, and the very fabric of development.
India has a profound connection to nature. More than 60 per cent of our population relies directly on forests, rivers, coasts, and agricultural land for their daily necessities. These ecosystems offer more than mere resources — they serve as a buffer against disasters. Forests absorb rainfall and diminish the likelihood of landslides. Wetlands and lakes retain excess rainwater and help avert floods. Mangroves protect coastal communities from cyclones and rising storm waters.
However, over the past few decades, environmental degradation has quietly but powerfully become a key driver of disasters. When these ecosystems are harmed through deforestation, pollution, urban development, encroachment, or mining, their ability to defend us diminishes. Floods become more prevalent. Landslides become more severe. Cyclones wreak greater havoc. Often, hazards that could have been managed escalate into major calamities solely because nature’s safeguards have been eroded.
Consider urban flooding as an illustration. Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai have experienced catastrophic floods, not just due to heavy rainfall but also because of inadequate planning-clogged drains, encroached lakes, missing wetlands, and diminished green spaces. In Joshimath, Uttarakhand, the land began to sink as a result of excessive construction in an ecologically sensitive area, illustrating the consequences of development that disregard nature’s limitations.
Climate change is increasingly exacerbating the severity of disasters. India is witnessing unprecedented temperature highs. In 2024, certain regions in Rajasthan and Delhi exceeded 49 degrees Celsius, resulting in heat-related fatalities and water shortages. The Himalayas are warming at a rate faster than the global average, leading to accelerated glacier melting and the formation of unstable glacial lakes that could overflow and inundate the valleys below. The Arabian Sea, previously more tranquil than the Bay of Bengal, is now generating more powerful cyclones like Biparjoy and Tauktae. In agriculture, erratic or delayed monsoon seasons are negatively impacting crops and farmer revenues. States such as Bihar, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh are facing challenges with crop losses stemming from unseasonal rainfall or prolonged dry spells. Coastal erosion is encroaching on land in Odisha, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, exacerbated by the loss of mangroves and sand extraction.
The World Meteorological Organisation reported that from 1970 to 2019, weather and water-related disasters claimed the lives of over two million individuals globally, with a significant portion in nations like India. Droughts, storms, floods, and extreme temperatures inflicted the most damage. Not all disasters are exclusively natural — many are intensified by human behaviour. When we construct flood zones, deforest land, dump waste into waterways, or neglect safety regulations in hilly regions, we elevate our vulnerability. In Chennai, lakes and wetlands have been filled to make way for buildings, resulting in more severe flooding. In Mumbai, mangroves have been cleared for development, leaving the city more susceptible to intense storm surges. Even after a disaster occurs, inadequate waste management and pollution can lead to long-lasting damage. Following the 2004 tsunami and recent cyclones, debris containing hazardous materials and plastics contaminated the ocean and harmed marine ecosystems, adversely affecting the fishing communities that rely on them.
The positive aspect is that safeguarding nature simultaneously safeguards our well-being. Healthy ecosystems diminish disaster risks and enable communities to recover more swiftly. Forests help slow water runoff, thereby mitigating floods and replenishing groundwater. Wetlands can absorb excess rainfall, lessening the impact of floods. Mangroves dissipate the power of waves and winds, protecting lives and properties during cyclones. Following Cyclone Phailin in 2013, the Odisha Government prioritised the replanting of mangroves along its coastline, which subsequently minimised damage from future storms. In Guwahati, restoring wetlands and enhancing drainage has reduced urban flooding. These instances illustrate nature-based solutions, leveraging ecosystems to manage disasters.
India has established several robust policies to tackle climate and environmental challenges. The National Action Plan on Climate Change includes initiatives focusing on water management, sustainable agriculture, and green urban development. Most states have developed their own State Action Plans on Climate Change. The National Disaster Management Plan provides guidelines addressing climate risks and the protection of ecosystems. Government programs like MGNREGA have facilitated efforts such as tree planting, water conservation, and soil safeguarding. However, policies documented must translate into meaningful actions on the ground. Frequently, Environmental Impact Assessments are conducted hastily, leading to large projects receiving approvals without adequate precautions. Planning should incorporate long-range considerations, climate risks, and local ecological constraints.
Genuine progress occurs when local communities take an active role. In Nagaland, community-managed forests have proven more effective than Government — led initiatives. In Sikkim, the adoption of organic farming has enhanced soil health and cultivated sustainable agricultural practices. Throughout India, women, tribal communities, and youth are spearheading numerous small yet impactful environmental initiatives, including waste management and water conservation. Technology also serves as a vital asset. Satellite imagery, remote sensing, and GIS are instrumental in monitoring floods, droughts, and land alterations. Organisations like the India Meteorological Department and ISRO are already improving early warning systems. However, for lives to be saved, this crucial information must be communicated promptly, in local languages, and through accessible channels such as mobile alerts, radio broadcasts, and local volunteers.
We must recognise that a resilient India can only emerge when we prioritise environmental conservation in our development strategies. Governments need to enhance their planning processes. Companies ought to operate responsibly. Educational institutions and media must work to raise awareness. Citizens should take action by planting trees, preserving water sources, minimising waste, and demanding accountability. International cooperation is also essential. India should continue advocating for climate justice, green financing, and technological assistance from developed countries. Disasters transcend borders; thus, solutions must be exchanged globally.
On this World Environment Day, let us contemplate this fundamental reality: disasters are not solely influenced by natural forces but are also a result of our treatment of nature. Protecting the environment serves as our most effective defence against climate change. It also represents the most valuable inheritance we can offer our children — a safe, stable, and beautiful planet. The pathway to a resilient India is evident. We must invest in our ecosystems, honour our natural limits, and nurture a mindset that appreciates harmony with nature. Only then can we ensure that development, safety, and sustainability are interconnected. Let us take action now — for the planet, for ourselves, and for future generations.
(The writer is the Former Executive Director, National Institute of Disaster Management. Views are personal)