India is facing a complex and growing set of environmental challenges that are increasingly intersecting with economic development, public health, and social stability. Rapid urbanisation, population growth, and infrastructure expansion have placed immense pressure on natural ecosystems, leading to deforestation, pollution, water stress, and heightened vulnerability to climate change.

One of the most critical issues is deforestation and forest degradation. Expanding cities, mining operations, agricultural expansion, and large infrastructure projects such as highways, dams, and industrial corridors have resulted in the loss of forest cover across several regions. These forests are home to rich biodiversity, including endangered species, and their degradation has disrupted ecological balance. Habitat loss has also intensified human–wildlife conflict, particularly in forest-adjacent communities, as animals are forced into closer contact with human settlements in search of food and space.

India’s coastal ecosystems are under equally severe threat. Coastal pollution caused by untreated sewage, plastic waste, industrial effluents, and coal dust from ports has damaged marine habitats and livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism. In states like Goa, concerns have been raised about coal handling at ports, where coal dust has polluted air and water, affecting marine life and local communities. Mangroves, coral reefs, and estuaries — vital natural barriers against storms and erosion — are increasingly degraded, making coastal regions more vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

Air and water pollution remain widespread problems across urban and rural India. Major cities frequently record hazardous air quality levels due to vehicle emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, and the burning of fossil fuels. Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been linked to respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and reduced life expectancy. Water pollution, caused by untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste, has contaminated rivers, lakes, and groundwater, posing serious health risks and reducing access to clean drinking water.

Water scarcity is emerging as another major concern. Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and urban use, combined with erratic rainfall patterns, has led to declining water tables in many regions. Several cities now face seasonal water shortages, while rural communities struggle with unreliable irrigation. Climate change has further intensified this problem by altering monsoon patterns and increasing the frequency of droughts and floods.

Climate change impacts are becoming increasingly visible across India. Rising temperatures have led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, placing stress on public health, agriculture, and energy systems. Extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, and landslides are becoming more common, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

These environmental pressures have also fueled social conflicts over land, water, and natural resources. Development projects often trigger protests from local communities concerned about displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental degradation. As India continues its path toward economic growth, balancing development with environmental protection remains a critical challenge.

Addressing these issues will require stronger environmental governance, sustainable development planning, community participation, and long-term investment in conservation and climate resilience. Without timely action, the environmental costs of growth may undermine both ecological stability and social harmony in the years ahead.