Agenda 2030: India's Multidimensional Approach Towards Sustainability

Amishi Arora, BALLB (H), Amity Law School, Noida, Amity University Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT

“This is an Agenda of unprecedented scope and significance” as per the fifth point in the declaration of Agenda 2030 towards Sustainable Development. Sustainability as a means of living is a dire need today. While necessary measures are being taken at international level forums like the United Nations, India has stepped up its game in incorporating the western ideas of sustainable development in its existing heritage of sustainable and nature - friendly living. The elimination of open defecation through "Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan" has contributed significantly to the achievement of Goal 6 in this area. The widespread use of LPG for residential purposes and the oversupply of electrical connections can be ascribed with the improvement in goal 7. The increase in mobile and internet availability, as well as the improvement in rural road coverage, are significantly responsible for the advancements made in goal 9.

This study explores the ‘problem of want’ in India – a hub of scarce resources and extensively increasing population. The study also delves deeper into a plethora of aspects within the issue of sustainability, inclusive of the 17 SDGs in the Indian contexts. Apart from analysis of the policies adopted and introduced in India parallelly to the international laws, the study expresses the need for better implementation of the said policies. The study resurfaces that the definitions of the Sustainable Development Goals must be improved in order to focus its scope and take a targeted approach to its efficient implementation.

Keywords: Sustainable Development, SDGs, equitable distribution of resources, SGDI index, gender equality, international index of equality.