Section Article

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE DEGRADATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN INDIA
Author(s): Bulbul Gupta

Abstract
Economic growth in India has accelerated over the past few decades contributing significantly to GDP employment generation and poverty reduction. However post-2021 studies indicate that rapid industrialization urbanization and energy consumption have imposed severe pressures on the environment resulting in deforestation air and water pollution soil degradation biodiversity loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This research paper investigates the correlation between economic growth and environmental degradation in India highlighting the complex interplay between developmental priorities and ecological sustainability. Using a combination of statistical analysis case studies and empirical data the study explores sector-specific impacts of industrial agricultural and urban expansion on environmental quality. Key indicators such as carbon emissions air quality indices water contamination levels land-use changes and waste generation are analyzed in relation to economic growth metrics including GDP growth per capita income industrial output and energy consumption. The paper also examines regional disparities highlighting how economically advanced regions often experience higher environmental pressures while less developed areas face resource depletion and ecological vulnerability. By integrating post-2021 research government reports and international assessments the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs and synergies between economic growth and environmental sustainability in India informing policy interventions aimed at promoting green growth and sustainable development.