Energy efficiency, renewable energy 'likely to affect' India's disadvantaged, tribal groups

By Palla Trinadharao 

The Ministry of Finance, Government of India (GoI), which released the Economic Survey Report (ESR) 2023–24 in July,  also deals with climate change and energy transition while underling the need to look at the problem through the lens of India. This details the country's aggressive targets and difficulties in converting to a low-carbon economy in order to combat climate change. 

The ESR highlights notable advancements in energy efficiency and renewable energy. However, it is important to take into account how these developments will affect India's disadvantaged and tribal groups.

According to the ESR, India continues to maintain much lower per capita carbon emissions than the world average in spite of its tremendous economic expansion. India has set the goal to attain Net Zero carbon emissions by 2070. It would be a challenging undertaking to satisfy its development objectives through a low-carbon pathway. 

On the other hand the GoI enacted the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 removing restrictions on a few specific categories of forests for non-forestry purposes. 

The Act aimed to exempt forest areas located within 100 kilometers of international boundaries, up to 10 hectares of forest land for infrastructure related to security or public utility projects as well as up to 5 hectares of forest land for military camps situated in areas affected by left-wing extremism, as well as forest land adjacent to railroads, roads, etc. from the purview of the Forest Conservation Act. This is to make for faster and easier diversion of these forests for non-forest activities. 

As of August 2023, estimates indicate that approximately 300,000 hectares of Indian forests have been diverted for non-forestry uses during the previous 15 years, with mining being one of the main uses.

The ESR highlights that renewable energy sources hold great potential. But significant financial incentives and investments in infrastructure and technology are required. India has made significant progress through programs like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which includes missions to increase solar power generation and improve energy efficiency. However, it is essential to ensure that these initiatives benefit small and marginal farmers, who are heavily reliant on energy inputs for mechanization and water management.

The shift to cleaner energy will also affect urban energy-intensive businesses and sectors, such as building and manufacturing, potentially leading to changes in employment availability and skill requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to provide green skilling opportunities to youth to access employment in green financing sector.

India's energy needs are expected to increase significantly by 2047 making it essential to transition to renewable energy sources and improve energy efficiency. The government plans to focus on projects like the Green Hydrogen Mission and PM-Surya Ghar Yojana, as well as initiatives like the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and the Energy Conservation Building Code.

It is essential to ensure that the underprivileged groups in both rural and urban areas directly benefit from these initiatives in terms of cost savings and better living conditions. The affordability and availability of these technologies are still uncertain for rural areas, particularly those who are economically challenged.

Rural livelihoods and productivity may suffer without reasonably priced and dependable energy alternatives. Similarly, price remains a major concern in urban areas, where access to energy is more widespread. The shift to renewable energy may result in higher costs for consumers, particularly for the urban poor who already face challenges in meeting their basic needs.

The European Sustainable Roadmap (ESR) emphasizes the importance of controlling energy demand, particularly in wealthy countries, to achieve net zero emissions. To achieve this, the ESR recommends implementing energy-saving technologies and practices, promoting energy efficiency across various sectors, and ensuring that benefits reach underserved and rural areas.

It is essential that India's energy and climate initiatives consider issues related to energy availability, affordability, livelihood implications, and inclusive development. 

During the ruling of the previous Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) party, in Telangana State, the forest department evicted thousands of tribal farmers from their recognized   “podu lands” under the Forest Rights Act 2006, in the name of Haritha Haram, and thereby affected their sole source of  livelihood. 

Therefore tribal rights over resources must be upheld while initiating programs, particularly afforestation programs. The potential community forest resource areas have to be identified in the States to protect the forests and ensure biodiversity by involving Gram Sabhas under Forest Rights Act 2006 and Panchayats Extensions to Scheduled Area (PESA) Act 1996.

Analyzing the effects of these programs and policies on impoverished rural and urban marginal groups is crucial for achieving sustainable and equitable growth. In conclusion, India's transition to a low-carbon economy presents both opportunities and challenges. It is essential that the government prioritizes inclusive development, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from these initiatives. 

There is need to give focus on both the mitigation and adaptation strategies to deal with the concerns of climate change. Only then can India achieve its goal of becoming a sustainable and environmentally conscious nation.