Aubaid Akhoon / Sabreena Shabir
From the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas have been the lifeblood of modern civilization. They powered factories, fueled global transportation, and brought unprecedented economic growth. These energy sources improved living standards, enabling access to electricity, modern healthcare, and infrastructure development. Society benefited greatly as entire economies flourished, industries thrived, and human mobility expanded across the globe. However, with progress came an unforeseen cost. Day by day, our environment began to pay the price for our reliance on fossil fuels. As an Urdu poet eloquently wrote: “Iss ghar ko aag lagi ghar ke he charagh se,” which translates to, “The house caught fire by the very lamp that lit it.” In essence, the very source that ignited our prosperity has also set us on a path of environmental peril.
The global fossil fuel dilemma
Nations worldwide, particularly in industrial powerhouses like the United States, China, and Germany, have begun confronting the detrimental effects of fossil fuels. Air quality has degraded, global temperatures have risen, and ecosystems are being irreparably damaged. In countries like Germany, the “Energiewende” (Energy Transition) has become a symbol of the global effort to move away from carbon-heavy energy sources. Denmark and Sweden, too, have heavily invested in renewable energy infrastructures to reduce their carbon footprints.
India is no exception. The country faces many of the same global challenges, compounded by its rapid economic growth and large population. Delhi, India’s capital, has consistently faced severe air pollution challenges. The quality of air has often dipped to hazardous levels, making it unsuitable for long-term survival and leading to health crises across the region. The situation in Delhi is symbolic of the broader environmental issues that India faces. Yet, it also offers a compelling case for why the nation must transition to cleaner energy.
India’s path toward a fossil fuel-free future
Recognizing the pressing need to address these challenges, the Government of India has taken bold steps to tackle its environmental and energy concerns. From previous administrations to the current government, efforts to reduce pollution, increase energy efficiency, and develop sustainable energy alternatives have grown in scope and urgency. One of the most ambitious plans to date is the Viksit Bharat 2047 campaign, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative envisions a fossil fuel-free India by the centennial of its independence, creating a roadmap for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision isn’t just about environmental stewardship—it’s about transforming India into a global leader in renewable energy, technological innovation, and inclusive growth. It’s a vision that seeks to align economic progress with the health of our planet, fostering a cleaner, greener future for all.
A vision for a fossil fuel-free India
At the heart of Viksit Bharat 2047 is the aspiration to see India free from fossil fuel dependence, embracing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This vision will not only reduce India’s carbon footprint but also position the country as a leader in the global fight against climate change. With ambitious targets and substantial investments, India’s energy landscape is set to undergo a radical transformation.
India’s solar energy sector has already seen significant growth, with the country becoming one of the world’s leaders in solar capacity. Large-scale solar projects such as the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan are key drivers in this journey. The International Solar Alliance (ISA), spearheaded by India, has further strengthened the nation’s role in promoting renewable energy across the globe.
Innovations in energy and infrastructure
The shift from fossil fuels to renewables won’t be without its challenges. Renewable energy, though abundant, is often intermittent—solar power, for example, depends on sunlight, and wind energy relies on wind patterns. To address this, India will need to make major advancements in energy storage. Innovations in battery technology and energy storage solutions will help store excess energy for use when it’s needed, ensuring a stable and reliable supply.
Smart grid technology will also be vital. These intelligent systems can monitor energy production and consumption in real-time, distributing power efficiently and minimizing waste. By building smart grids, India can enhance energy resilience while lowering costs, making the system more robust against fluctuations in supply and demand.
Urban planning and the development of smart cities are additional components of the vision. These cities will integrate renewable energy solutions, improve air quality, and optimize energy use, enhancing the quality of life for millions of residents.
Economic and social benefits
India’s transition away from fossil fuels brings profound economic and social benefits. Renewable energy is labor-intensive, which means millions of jobs will be created in sectors such as solar and wind power installation, maintenance, and manufacturing. Furthermore, India’s vast manufacturing base will benefit from the production of renewable energy components, such as solar panels and wind turbines.
On a macroeconomic level, this shift will enhance India’s energy security. Today, India imports vast quantities of fossil fuels, leaving the country vulnerable to global market volatility. By developing domestic renewable energy infrastructure, India can reduce its dependence on foreign oil and gas, ensuring greater energy independence and economic stability.
There are also significant public health benefits to this transition. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels will lower air pollution levels, cutting down on respiratory diseases and other health issues caused by poor air quality. Cleaner air will lead to a healthier, more productive population, further bolstering India’s economic growth.
Government’s role and public-private partnerships
The Indian government will play a crucial role in steering the nation towards its renewable energy goals. Policies that incentivize clean energy projects, electric vehicles, and energy-efficient technologies are already in place, but more will be needed. The government’s ambitious target of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 is a clear indicator of its commitment to this cause.
Public-private partnerships will be instrumental in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047. The private sector can bring capital, technical expertise, and innovation, while the government can provide regulatory support and incentives. International collaborations will also help India leverage global expertise and funding to drive the transition.
Empowering India’s citizens: Youth, women and farmers
The success of Viksit Bharat 2047 hinges on the participation of every demographic in society. The campaign focuses on four key pillars: Youth (Yuva), Poor (Garib), Women (Mahilayen), and Farmers (Annadata), ensuring that the benefits of this transition reach every corner of society.
Youth play a pivotal role in driving innovation and spreading awareness about renewable energy technologies. Educational programs will help prepare the next generation of leaders to tackle India’s clean energy challenges.
Women are also a central part of this transformation. By encouraging more women to enter the renewable energy workforce, India is not only promoting gender equality but also ensuring that half of its population actively contributes to the country’s economic and environmental future.
Farmers, who are often disproportionately affected by the consequences of environmental degradation, will benefit from clean energy technologies such as solar irrigation pumps. These innovations will reduce their reliance on expensive, polluting diesel engines and boost agricultural productivity.
Leading the way globally
India’s commitment to transitioning to a fossil fuel-free future extends beyond its national borders. As the world’s third-largest carbon emitter, India’s progress toward renewable energy has the potential to shape global climate action. The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision offers a blueprint for other developing nations, proving that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
India’s leadership in initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance demonstrates its determination to make renewable energy accessible to all, especially in developing countries facing similar energy challenges.
A bright future awaits
As India approaches its centenary of independence, the Viksit Bharat 2047 campaign stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when environmental responsibility, technological innovation, and inclusive growth converge. This ambitious initiative marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future. By committing to a transition away from fossil fuels, India not only seeks to achieve energy independence but also aspires to set a global standard for environmental stewardship.
The path ahead may be long and fraught with challenges, yet it promises a future where economic prosperity and environmental sustainability coexist. This vision is not solely about advancing India’s interests but also about leading by example on the global stage. As India pioneers this transformation, it aims to inspire nations around the world to embrace sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
In striving for this future, India positions itself at the forefront of a global movement towards a greener planet, setting a precedent for how economic development and environmental care can work hand in hand. The commitment to a fossil fuel-free future reflects a broader aspiration: to create a legacy of progress that benefits not only the people of India but also contributes to the health and well-being of our planet as a whole.
This journey towards a brighter, more sustainable future is one that we must all support, for it is through collective effort that we ensure a thriving world for generations to come.
(Aubaid Ahmed Akhoon is a columnist, motivational speaker. Sabreena Shabir is a B.Sc student. They can be reached at [email protected], [email protected] respectively)
