Rajiv Gandhi Institute For Contemporary Studies
October 29, 2025
This issue of the Policy Watch is on the theme, Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability. The year 2025 witnessed yet another devastating monsoon with a very high number of extreme rainfall, flash floods and loss of lives and livelihoods across the Indian Himalayan Region and more focused in western Indian Himalayan Region. This policy watch […]
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September 9, 2025
The Nagaland SENSE Report presents an in-depth analysis of the state’s environment, society, and economy, while proposing the NEW Strategy—Nature Regeneration, Enabling Human, Social and Institutional Development, and Well-th Creation—as a path to sustainable development. Nagaland, part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, faces serious ecological challenges. Scarcity of water (Jal) due to drying springs, deforestation […]
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August 14, 2025
उत्तराखंड के समावेशी और सतत विकास हेतु नई रणनीति पर आधारित यह रिपोर्ट राज्य के पर्यावरण, समाज एवं अर्थव्यवस्था की मौजूदा स्थिति का विश्लेषण प्रस्तुत करती है और विकास के लिए वैकल्पिक दृष्टिकोण सुझाती है। रिपोर्ट दर्शाती है कि पारंपरिक विकास मॉडल के बावजूद उत्तराखंड तीन प्रमुख संकटों—पर्यावरणीय, सामाजिक और आर्थिक—का सामना कर रहा है। […]
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June 30, 2025
India’s Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranking has sharply declined, standing at 176th out of 180 countries in 2024, reflecting persistent challenges in ecosystem vitality, environmental health, and climate change mitigation. Despite ambitious commitments, India’s scores remain low, especially in biodiversity, air quality, and water resources. The report urges a shift toward ecologically sustainable development to align economic growth with environmental regeneration.
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April 30, 2025
Uttarakhand’s natural environment comprises rich forests, abundant water resources, diverse soils, and fragile mountain ecosystems. However, it faces growing threats from deforestation, hydropower expansion, skewed land distribution, declining agriculture, and climate change. Glacial retreat, forest degradation, drying streams, and land abandonment reflect the deepening crisis, calling for sustainable governance and ecological restoration across sectors.
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April 30, 2025
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is ecologically diverse, with rich water resources, extensive forests, and varied agro-ecological zones. It lies in the Indus basin, with abundant rivers, glaciers, and springs. Despite climate change threats and land degradation, forest cover and agriculture remain relatively stable, supporting rural livelihoods, biodiversity, and commercial forestry and horticulture.
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April 30, 2025
Ladakh's natural environment is marked by cold desert conditions, limited water, sparse forests, degraded soil, and harsh climate. It relies heavily on glacier melt for water amid growing scarcity. Forest cover is minimal, and agriculture is constrained by poor soil. Climate change is accelerating glacier retreat and land degradation, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods in the region.
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April 30, 2025
Himachal Pradesh’s natural environment is shaped by its rich river systems, glaciers, forests, and diverse agro-ecological zones. However, it faces growing challenges like glacial retreat, drying water sources, deforestation, soil erosion, and climate-induced changes. Despite legal forest cover of 68%, actual tree cover is low. Climate change accelerates degradation of land, forests, and water resources.
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April 7, 2025
The study presents a comprehensive examination of the state’s multifaceted challenges and proposes a strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development. Uttarakhand confronts a triple crisis encompassing environmental degradation, social disparities, and economic vulnerabilities. Environmental concerns include deforestation, water scarcity, soil erosion, and the adverse impacts of climate change, such as glacial retreat and increased […]
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March 7, 2025
The report titled “An Analysis of the Current Status of the Environment, Society, and Economy of Himachal Pradesh” provides a comprehensive examination of the state’s pressing challenges and proposes a strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable development. Himachal Pradesh faces a triple crisis encompassing environmental degradation, social disparities, and economic vulnerabilities. Environmental concerns include deforestation, […]
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December 31, 2024
The 18th ISFR 2023 report highlights India's forest and tree cover reaching 25.17% of its geographical area. Key issues include one-third of recorded forests lacking cover, reliance on tree cover for green cover improvement, degradation of natural dense forests, and rapid decline of Himalayan forests, demanding urgent action.
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October 30, 2024
The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies held a webinar on September 9, 2024, discussing Himalayan ecology, culture, and livelihoods. Panelists highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s organic farming, Himachal Pradesh’s development models, Uttarakhand’s green economy potential, and Himalayan challenges like GLOFs, deforestation, and hydropower impacts. Promoting a green economy was emphasized.
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June 30, 2024
Community forest governance in the Western Indian Himalayan region has evolved significantly, focusing on Cooperative Forest Societies (CFS) in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, and Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand. Joint Forest Management (JFM) has undermined these autonomous systems by centralizing governance, reducing ecological resilience, and restricting local decision-making authority.
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April 30, 2024
The article discusses how the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to start in 2026, could hurt India’s climate efforts and steel exports. By imposing taxes on carbon-intensive imports, CBAM challenges India’s climate goals and fairness principles. India needs global support to achieve its 2070 net-zero target.
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December 30, 2023
A three-day workshop in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, trained 49 micro-entrepreneurs—mainly women—in conservation-linked enterprises like organic farming, dairy, poultry, and eco-tourism. Organized by RGICS and partners, it emphasized ecological entrepreneurship, market access, traditional techniques, and policy support. Sessions covered carbon credit, responsible tourism, value addition, and technology access, aiming to boost sustainable livelihoods in Himalayan regions.
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November 26, 2023
India is facing a severe water crisis as groundwater levels continue to deplete at an alarming rate. The 2021 Master Plan for Artificial Recharge and the 2023 Water Bodies Census emphasize the need to revive and modify existing water bodies to enhance groundwater recharge. With only 12% of India’s 24.24 lakh water bodies contributing to […]
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October 30, 2023
The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, themed "One Earth, One Family, One Future," emphasized sustainability, climate action, and inclusive growth. Key initiatives included the Global Biofuels Alliance and principles for Lifestyle for Sustainable Development (LiFE). While diplomatically significant, experts criticized it for lacking concrete actions, highlighting that G20 nations are falling short on climate and SDG commitments.
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October 23, 2023
The document highlights major environmental deregulations introduced through three legislative amendments passed during India’s 2023 Monsoon parliamentary session: the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act. These changes deregulate 27% of India’s forests, weaken protections for biological resources, and reduce oversight of offshore […]
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June 30, 2023
India faces critical groundwater stress, with rising demand projected to surpass supply by 2050. The 2021 Master Plan for Artificial Recharge and the 2023 Water Bodies Census offer complementary strategies for sustainable groundwater management. Integrating these—through revival of traditional water bodies, modern recharge structures, and data synchronization—can unlock massive sub-surface storage potential and ensure long-term water security.
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April 30, 2023
The Himalayan region’s fragile ecology faces mounting threats from climate change, unregulated infrastructure, and waste. Two summits in 2023 emphasized sustainable mountain development through millet resurgence, plastic waste management, and Gandhian principles. Experts highlighted the interlinkages between infrastructure, natural resources, and social justice, advocating people-centric, ecologically sound policies to preserve the Himalayas’ environment, culture, and livelihoods.
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April 26, 2023
Groundwater is a crucial resource for Madhya Pradesh, supporting both agriculture and daily water needs. However, excessive extraction, lack of regulation, and fluoride contamination are creating a growing crisis. With 80% of the state’s land covered by hard rock formations, groundwater availability varies widely. While government policies exist, enforcement is weak, and unregulated use continues. […]
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January 24, 2023
Gujarat’s groundwater situation is at a crossroads. While it remains a lifeline for agriculture and daily needs, over-extraction, dropping water tables, and increasing salinity are causing serious concerns. The lack of strong regulations and sustainable management practices has led to growing water stress. However, hope lies in innovative, community-led initiatives that are successfully replenishing groundwater […]
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December 30, 2022
Healthy soil sustains life, yet 29% of India’s land suffers degradation from erosion, nutrient loss, and unsustainable farming. Soil health impacts food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Measures like watershed development, organic practices, and the Reclamation of Problem Soils scheme are vital. Urgent action is needed to restore soil and achieve India’s goal of rehabilitating 26 million hectares by 2030.
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December 18, 2022
Uttar Pradesh relies heavily on groundwater, with over 75% of its agriculture and 80% of drinking water needs depending on it. However, unregulated extraction is pushing the state towards a crisis, with nearly 138 regions classified as overexploited or critical. The gap between water demand and availability is widening, especially in rainfed regions like Bundelkhand […]
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November 21, 2022
Assam’s groundwater is under growing pressure, even though it remains within safe limits for now. Agriculture is the biggest consumer, and with rainfall patterns shifting, more farmers are turning to groundwater for irrigation. While the state has plenty of surface water, inefficient recharge methods, lack of strong policies, and pollution issues are raising concerns. The […]
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October 30, 2022
उत्तराखंड के वन संसाधनों पर नियंत्रण और स्थानीय अधिकारों के संघर्ष का इतिहास पुराना है। हेलंग गांव की महिलाओं ने वन भूमि पर पारंपरिक अधिकारों की रक्षा के लिए THDC का विरोध किया। 15 जुलाई 2022 की घटना ने जल, जंगल और जमीन पर स्थानीय समुदायों के हक को लेकर एक नया जनआंदोलन खड़ा किया।
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October 23, 2022
Maharashtra is heading toward a serious groundwater crisis. Though it remains the primary source of water for farming and drinking, the state is withdrawing more than it can replenish. Groundwater meets over 70% of irrigation needs and 85% of rural drinking water demand, but increasing over-extraction, weak enforcement of policies, and erratic rainfall are pushing […]
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September 21, 2022
West Bengal’s groundwater situation is complex and increasingly under stress. The Sundarbans are facing rising salinity, making fresh water scarce. In the Himalayan foothills, springs that once provided steady water flow are now drying up, impacting both drinking water and farming. The Red Lateritic Zone in western West Bengal struggles with low groundwater availability and […]
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August 22, 2022
Rajasthan is facing a serious water crisis. With low rainfall, extreme heat, and heavy groundwater extraction, many areas are running out of water. More than 62% of the state’s groundwater blocks are classified as over-exploited or critical, meaning they are using more water than can be naturally replenished. In many regions, groundwater is not just […]
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August 4, 2022
Tamil Nadu is facing a serious groundwater crisis due to over-extraction, climate change, and poor water management. The state uses 82.9% of its available groundwater annually, putting it among the most water-stressed states in India. Irrigation alone consumes 92% of the total groundwater, causing water tables to drop drastically in many areas, especially in northern […]
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December 30, 2021
अध्ययन में चयनित पांच वन पंचायतों की भूमि उपयोग, वन स्थिति, आजीविका, चारा व ईंधन उपलब्धता पर गहन जानकारी मिली। बांज वनों वाले क्षेत्रों में पानी प्रचुर है, जबकि चीड़ प्रधान क्षेत्रों में कमी रहती है। चारे व ईंधन की भारी कमी, पंचायती वन नियमावली 2005 की अल्प जानकारी और माइक्रो/वार्षिक योजनाओं का अभाव प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ पाई गईं
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June 23, 2021
उत्तराखंड की वन पंचायत प्रणाली लंबे समय से स्थानीय समुदायों द्वारा जंगलों के संरक्षण और प्रबंधन का एक सफल मॉडल रही है। लेकिन वन अधिकार अधिनियम (FRA), 2006 लागू होने के बावजूद, सामुदायिक वन अधिकार (CFR) और व्यक्तिगत वन अधिकार (IFR) पूरी तरह से मान्यता प्राप्त नहीं कर सके हैं। वन विभाग का बढ़ता नियंत्रण […]
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May 30, 2021
India’s mining sector, rich in minerals, drives economic growth but causes severe environmental damage, health risks, and livelihood disruptions in affected regions. The District Mineral Foundation (DMF), created under the 2015 Act, seeks to channel mining revenues for welfare and ecological restoration. However, uneven performance, bureaucratic control, and limited community participation hinder its effectiveness, demanding decentralized, people-focused governance.
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May 30, 2021
The Chamoli glacier disaster of 2021 highlighted the dangers of unchecked hydropower expansion in Uttarakhand. Despite assurances of energy, revenue, and jobs, projects have worsened floods, landslides, and ecological loss. Studies show biodiversity destruction and fragile geology under strain. The vision of “Urja Pradesh” has largely failed, leaving communities vulnerable and the Himalayan environment deeply threatened.
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May 9, 2021
This study reveals just how crucial Common Property Resources (CPRs) like forests, ponds, grazing lands, and canals are for rural communities across India, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing degradation of these resources is a significant driver of distress migration, pushing people to leave their villages and seek work in cities. Regenerating […]
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May 4, 2021
Uttarakhand’s Van Panchayat system has long been a community-driven model for forest management, allowing local villagers to protect and use forests while maintaining their traditional rights. However, over the years, government policies have gradually reduced the autonomy of these Panchayats, shifting control to the state forest department. The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, offers a […]
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April 2, 2021
The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 was meant to give tribal and forest-dwelling communities legal ownership over the land and resources they have used for generations. However, in Western Odisha, the process has been slow and uneven. While Odisha has made progress in granting Individual Forest Rights (IFR), the recognition of Community Forest Rights (CFR) […]
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February 1, 2021
Uttarakhand, with its rich forests and biodiversity, has faced an ongoing battle between development and conservation. While compensatory afforestation under CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) was meant to offset deforestation caused by infrastructure projects, challenges like mismanagement of funds, lack of land for afforestation, and slow implementation have limited its impact. Major […]
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December 31, 2020
Forests in Uttarakhand are vital to rural life, providing fuel, fodder, timber, and daily essentials for subsistence. Community-managed commons embody tradition, cooperation, and survival. However, commercialization, state interventions, and ecological pressures increasingly strain these resources. The weakening of traditional practices risks eroding livelihoods and the people–nature balance, challenging both sustainability and the cultural identity of mountain communities.
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October 30, 2020
The Char Dham Pariyojana, aimed at widening 889 km of highways to Himalayan shrines, has caused severe ecological and social damage. A Supreme Court-appointed committee found unscientific hill cutting, unsafe muck dumping, forest loss, landslides, and threats to springs, wildlife, and local livelihoods. Despite warnings, project agencies ignored recommendations, intensifying risks in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
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October 30, 2020
Common Property Resources (CPRs) such as forests, grazing lands, and water bodies are crucial for rural livelihoods. Their degradation has driven large-scale distress migration, worsened during COVID-19 with mass reverse migration. Despite traditional governance systems, CPRs continue to decline. Reviving them through initiatives like MGNREGA is essential for sustainable livelihoods, ecological restoration, and reducing migration pressures.
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June 30, 2020
The article emphasizes the link between the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental degradation, and zoonotic disease outbreaks, cautioning against unsustainable economic recovery strategies. It highlights the need for a green recovery, advocating for policies that prioritize biodiversity, restrict harmful land use changes, and ensure equitable distribution of benefits, to prevent future pandemics and build resilient societies.
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June 22, 2020
The RGICS Summer School on “Water Crisis and Sustainable Solutions” made it clear: India’s water crisis is urgent, complex, and needs immediate attention. The program’s key takeaway was that tackling water scarcity, pollution, and inefficient management requires practical solutions like rainwater harvesting, water-efficient farming, and community-driven initiatives. It also emphasized that real change can only […]
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May 31, 2020
The report makes one thing clear: the destruction of nature is fueling the rise of dangerous diseases. Around 60% of human infectious diseases originate in animals, and 75% of newly emerging ones—like COVID-19, Ebola, and SARS—jumped from wildlife to humans. Deforestation, urban sprawl, habitat destruction, and the wildlife trade are opening the door for more […]
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May 2, 2020
This study makes it clear that India is facing a serious challenge with land degradation—nearly 30% of its total area is degraded or turning into desert. Despite numerous policies and initiatives aimed at reversing this trend, things are only getting worse. This is bad news not just for the environment and biodiversity but also for […]
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April 30, 2020
The article proposes a unified strategy to address post-COVID unemployment and environmental degradation by investing in the regeneration of land, water, and forests. Strengthening MGNREGA can create millions of rural jobs, restore natural resources, and fulfill India’s climate commitments. This approach promotes sustainable growth, curbs poverty, and mitigates risks of future zoonotic pandemics.
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April 30, 2020
Chhattisgarh, crucial for the Forest Rights Act (FRA), has the highest number of filed and rejected individual claims. The new state government initiated a review of these rejections. Implementation faces national challenges: under-resourced agencies, forest department hostility, and a focus on individual over community rights. Effective FRA execution is vital for tribal communities dependent on forests for livelihood.
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April 30, 2020
Climate change exacerbates water crises, threatening communities with scarcity and pollution. Transformational leadership and simple, low-cost technologies like biosand filters are crucial. These solutions, combined with community empowerment and knowledge-sharing, can provide clean water, improve health, and build resilience, especially for marginalized populations, demonstrating that significant change is achievable with minimal resources.
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March 3, 2020
The Ur River Rejuvenation project in Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, is showing promising progress in reviving the Ur River through a collaborative approach involving government bodies, civil society, and local communities. The project focuses on improving groundwater levels, enhancing agricultural productivity, and promoting sustainable water management practices, with the support of MGNREGA funding. Initial efforts covering […]
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November 22, 2019
Nearly 30% of India’s land suffers from degradation, threatening environment, economy, and food security. Despite strong global and national commitments, programs like MGNREGA and Green India Mission struggle due to chronic underfunding, policy contradictions, and weak institutional capacity. Greater community involvement, adequate resources, and interdepartmental coordination are essential for effective land regeneration and meeting international restoration targets.
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November 22, 2019
This report summarizes key insights from the 2019 International Conference on Climate Change and Disasters. Sessions discussed IPCC research, the limitations of current climate models, and reviewed India’s core strategy, highlighting MGNREGA's significant role in natural resource regeneration. Recommendations emphasized stronger integration of technology, local capacity-building, and convergence of skills to improve both MGNREGA outcomes and Integrated Water Resource Management.
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August 27, 2019
यह रिपोर्ट बताती है कि मध्य प्रदेश में जल, जंगल और भूमि की स्थिति लगातार खराब हो रही है, और यह स्थानीय समुदायों के जीवन और पर्यावरण दोनों के लिए एक बड़ी चिंता का विषय है। प्राकृतिक संसाधनों का बेहिसाब दोहन, अव्यवस्थित प्रबंधन, और नीतिगत खामियों के कारण वन क्षेत्र घट रहा है, जल स्रोत […]
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August 21, 2019
The workshop on “Regenerating Natural Capital” revealed an urgent need to tackle the degradation of land, water, and forest resources in Madhya Pradesh. Experts agreed that the situation is critical, with soil erosion, water scarcity, and shrinking forests threatening livelihoods and biodiversity. The proposed solution? A collaborative approach called Panchmukhi Samvaay, which brings together government, […]
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July 30, 2019
Introduction The conflict between state and forest dwellers in India is not new. It increased in the past as the state started controlling forest by declaring them protected area. The network of protected forest in India has tremendously increased from just one in 1937 (Jim Corbett National Park) to 771 as of today. These forests […]
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June 13, 2019
This report emphasizes that water harvesting is crucial to tackle India’s escalating water crisis. Despite having policies aimed at promoting water harvesting, implementation remains poor. A consultation organized by RGICS and Vikas Anvesh Foundation discussed various water harvesting methods, including Farm Ponds in Jharkhand, the Doha Model in Maharashtra, and traditional systems in Rajasthan’s Dang […]
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May 16, 2019
Forests sustain over 300 million Indians, especially tribal communities reliant on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for livelihood. While forest-based income is vital, unsustainable extraction and market pressures threaten biodiversity. Strengthening laws like FRA and PESA, ensuring sustainable harvesting, and developing markets and institutions are essential to balance livelihood needs with forest conservation.
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May 16, 2019
India faces an acute water crisis with limited fresh water resources and rising demand projected to surpass supply by 2050. Uneven rainfall, overextraction, pollution, and inefficient agriculture compound the problem. Sustainable solutions include integrated river basin management, revising crop patterns, conjunctive water use, pollution control, and climate-resilient agriculture reforms.
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April 4, 2019
India’s water crisis is escalating fast, and it’s everyone’s problem. With a booming population and reckless groundwater extraction, the country is heading toward a disastrous demand-supply gap—expected to widen by 78% by 2050. Over half of India’s groundwater wells are drying up, and the biggest culprit is agriculture, which consumes a staggering 84% of the […]
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April 2, 2019
The study reveals that the Forest Rights Act (FRA) of 2006, meant to correct historical injustices against tribal communities and traditional forest dwellers, is not being effectively implemented in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the villages of Rawas and Banspattar in Kanker district. Despite filing claims over a decade ago, most families are still waiting for their […]
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April 13, 2018
The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling on the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (PoA Act) has sparked widespread concern. By introducing mandatory preliminary inquiries before arrest and allowing anticipatory bail, the decision weakens key protections for SC and ST communities. The ruling, based on concerns over alleged misuse of the law, […]
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January 1, 2018
The Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 was meant to be a game-changer for India’s vast informal workforce, which makes up about 94% of the country’s total workers. However, in reality, the Act has largely failed to deliver on its promises. The government has not expanded social security schemes under the Act in the last […]
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September 21, 2017
Domestic workers in India are among the most exploited and underprotected groups of laborers. Despite their crucial role in households across the country, they lack legal recognition, social security, and basic labor rights. Abuse, exploitation, and poor working conditions are common, especially for women trafficked from rural areas by unregulated placement agencies. Repeated recommendations for […]
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April 20, 2017
The document highlights the devastating impact of the 2017 crackdown on illegal and mechanized slaughterhouses in Uttar Pradesh, a decision made by the Yogi Adityanath government as part of their election promises. While the intent was to regulate illegal operations, the move overlooked the broader economic and social consequences. Uttar Pradesh is India’s largest meat […]
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August 10, 2016
India’s push to welcome foreign universities is shifting higher education from a public good to a market commodity. Allowing profit-making universities could worsen inequality, making quality education even more inaccessible for socially and economically disadvantaged groups. With over 63% of higher education students already in private institutions, rising costs will leave many behind and create […]
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