SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT VS ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION - ACHIEVING A FINE BALANCE: A CASE STUDY OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Sustainable development is that development which takes care of the needs of the present generation while taking care of the needs of future generations. The generations shall pass on the mantle of needs and resources in a nature friendly and sustainable manner for the world to cater to its people across generations. The protection of environment is needed for sustainable development. The Industrial pollution, degradation of forests, depletion of ozone layer, the greenhouse gases results in global warming and climate which will have an adverse impact on environment and human health. Promotion of ecological balance enables sustainable development. As per Environment performance index 2017, India has been ranked 155th in the world based on the high- priority environmental issues. But in a developing country like India development cannot be causality because of environmental concerns. The case study of Government of Andhra Pradesh offers a model for balancing the needs of development and environmental protection. The government of Andhra Pradesh took important steps like Observing Environmental Laws, expediting environmental Clearance Process, systematizing Solid Waste Management, protecting Bio-diversity, Monitoring the Treatment & Management of Hazardous Waste in Pharma sector, Regulating the activities in Coastal Zone Management, Prescribing environmental standards for various mining issues, Monitoring Air Quality Management through Regional Air Quality Assessment, saving soil, air, water with technology solutions etc and organising environmental conferences are certainly creating a very good impact on the stakeholders, regulators and Govt. functionaries incorporating all best practices across the world in the policy making for sustainable development of the state while maintaining a fine balance with environmental protection.