The Green Gap: An Examination of Environmental Crimes, Legal Awareness, And Enforcement Efficacy in India's Pursuit of Sustainable Development

Abstract

Environmental sustainability is increasingly recognized as a central pillar of development worldwide, yet significant disparities remain in how nations translate environmental laws into practice. India, despite possessing one of the world’s most extensive frameworks of environmental legislation and a history of landmark judicial interventions, continues to experience environmental degradation, weak enforcement, and public indifference to compliance. This study investigates the “green gap” between environmental compliance on paper and genuine environmental commitment in practice, focusing on Rajasthan’s industrial clusters. Semi-structured interviews with industrial stakeholders reveal that compliance largely serves as a bureaucratic formality rather than a sincere commitment to sustainability. In contrast, international comparisons, particularly with Sweden, illustrate how societal attitudes, cultural values, and civic responsibility strengthen the effectiveness of environmental regulations. The paper argues that India’s environmental governance challenges stem not only from institutional weaknesses but also from a lack of widespread ecological consciousness. By bridging this attitudinal divide, India can move closer to achieving meaningful sustainability outcomes.