Archives
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People, Policy, and Planet—Human-Centered Approaches to Sustainable Development
Vol. 2 No. I (2025)Editorial
As the world continues to grapple with the escalating impacts of climate change, resource depletion, and socio-economic inequality, a new narrative is emerging—one that places local resilience at the core of global sustainability. In this Jan-June 2025 issue of the IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development, we turn our attention to the powerful, often under-recognized role that communities, grassroots innovations, and indigenous knowledge play in shaping sustainable futures. As we navigate the complex realities of sustainable development in an increasingly interdependent world, the need for interdisciplinary insights and inclusive policy frameworks has never been greater. The IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development continues to provide a space where diverse yet interconnected perspectives converge to advance our understanding of sustainability—not only as an environmental or economic imperative, but as a deeply human endeavour.
The theme of the Jan- June 2025 issue of IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development integrates the human dimension across diverse sustainable development goals—whether through behavioural insights in governance (SDG 16), holistic health and well-being (SDG 3), or poverty eradication (SDG 1). It reinforces that achieving the SDGs requires not just technical solutions but transformation in values, behaviour, leadership, and community participation.
This issue features six thought-provoking contributions that span a wide range of themes—from governance and public policy to agriculture, health, and urban waste management. Together, these works reflect the evolving discourse on sustainability in India, offering both critical analyses and innovative pathways for reform.
The opening article, "Sustainable Development Goals Pertaining to Indian Agriculture with Specific Reference to the World Trade Organisation," underscores the intricate balance between domestic priorities and global trade commitments. In a sector that is both the backbone of rural livelihoods and a site of enduring policy challenges, aligning agricultural practices with SDG targets and WTO norms is a delicate yet urgent task. The paper highlights key areas where policy synergy can bolster food security, rural development, and international cooperation.
Political reform and electoral processes are explored in "A Presumed Ambitious Reform in Indian Polity: One Nation, One Election." This timely contribution assesses the legal, administrative, and democratic implications of simultaneous elections in India. While the idea promises greater efficiency and reduced electoral fatigue, the paper calls for a cautious evaluation of its constitutional, federal, and logistical dimensions—reminding us that political sustainability must rest on inclusivity and consensus.
Delving into the less tangible but equally crucial aspects of governance, "The Human Element: Behavioural Dynamics in Governance" presents a nuanced exploration of how behavioural economics, social psychology, and institutional culture shape public decision-making. In an era of citizen-centric governance, the article argues for policies that account for cognitive biases, motivation, and trust—affirming that governance reform is not merely structural, but deeply human.
Health and sustainability intersect in the compelling article, "Healing the Heart Naturally: A Sustainable Approach to Reversing Coronary Artery Disease under SDG 3." Bridging traditional knowledge systems with modern clinical evidence, this piece advocates for integrative, non-invasive, and lifestyle-based interventions in cardiovascular care. It reaffirms the principle that sustainable development must also prioritize affordable, preventive, and community-based healthcare solutions.
This issue also features a critical book review of "Governance in India" by Dr. Pardeep Sahni and Dr. Suresh Kumar Sharma. The review offers a scholarly engagement with the authors' contributions to our understanding of public administration in India, examining themes of institutional reform, decentralization, and democratic accountability. Such reflections enrich the discourse on governance by linking academic insights to real-world transformations.
Finally, the paper on "Municipal Solid Waste Management in Punjab: Emerging Issues and Alternatives" draws attention to one of the most pressing urban challenges of our time. With increasing waste generation, limited infrastructure, and ecological strain, the article presents policy alternatives rooted in circular economy principles, stakeholder engagement, and technology-driven solutions—echoing the spirit of SDG 11 and SDG 12.
As we move deeper into the Decade of Action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one truth has become increasingly clear: sustainability is not merely about systems and structures—it is about people. Whether the goal is eradicating poverty, improving public health, or enhancing governance, it is human behaviour, leadership, and values that ultimately drive change. As always, we are grateful to our contributors, peer reviewers, and readers who continue to engage critically with the journal’s mission. We hope this issue not only informs but also inspires collective thought and action toward a more equitable, healthy, and sustainable future.
At IHRDI, we believe that interdisciplinary dialogue, rooted in both scholarship and practice, is essential to crafting sustainable futures. We invite our readers to reflect on the insights shared in this issue and to apply them boldly in their own spheres of influence.
Dr. Sanjeev Chaddha
Editor-in-Chief
IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development
June 2025 -
Towards a Sustainable World
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024)As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, its imperative that we prioritize sustainability in all its forms. From environmental stewardship to social equity and economic resilience, our collective efforts can shape a better future for generations to come.
In this edition we explore innovative solutions, thought provoking perspectives and inspiring stories that illuminate the path towards a sustainable world.
Join us on this journey as we strive for a future that is equitable, prosperous, inclusive and thriving for all.
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Sustainability in Practice: Integrating Environment, Economy, and Governance for Equitable Growth
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025)EDITORIAL
Sustainability in Practice: Integrating Environment, Economy, and Governance for Equitable Growth
The July–December 2025 issue of the IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development comes at a moment when the global sustainability discourse is being tested by unprecedented challenges—climate instability, widening economic inequalities, governance deficits, technological disruption, and rapid urban transformation. Amid these converging pressures, the need for rigorous research, evidence-based policymaking, and grounded, citizen-focused interventions has never been more urgent. It is against this backdrop that the present issue foregrounds the theme: “Sustainability in Practice: Integrating Environment, Economy, and Governance for Equitable Growth.”
Each paper selected for this volume offers a distinct yet interconnected perspective on how India—and the broader global community—can translate the Sustainable Development Goals from aspirational frameworks into actionable and context-sensitive realities.
We open with “A Comprehensive Review of Crop Residue Management: Practices, Economic Implications, and Environmental Impact,” a timely contribution that addresses one of North India’s most pressing environmental challenges. The paper examines the socio-economic drivers behind crop residue burning, evaluates technological and policy alternatives, and identifies collaborative pathways through which farmers and governments can reduce emissions without compromising agricultural livelihoods. For a region like Punjab, this discussion is not merely academic; it lies at the intersection of public health, climate resilience, and long-term agricultural sustainability.
The second paper, “From ‘BIMARU’ to Budgetary Backbone,” presents an incisive fiscal analysis exploring how several Indian states have transitioned from chronic deficits to relative fiscal stability and surplus conditions. By analysing reform trajectories, governance mechanisms, and expenditure rationalisation, the paper offers valuable lessons for Punjab and other fiscally stressed states. In an era of shrinking fiscal space, the study reinforces the importance of prudent public finance, outcome-based budgeting, and performance-linked governance as foundational pillars of sustainable economic growth.
Urbanisation remains a double-edged sword for developing economies. In “Issues and Options for Managing the Curse of Urban Sprawl in India,” the author critically examines the patterns, consequences, and policy dilemmas arising from unplanned spatial expansion. The paper argues persuasively for integrated urban governance frameworks, resilient land-use planning, and citizen-centric development models to ensure that urban growth becomes a driver—rather than a deterrent—of environmental and social sustainability.
Energy sustainability, particularly within the power distribution segment, is the focus of our fourth article, “Analyzing the Financial Performance of the DISCOM Sector with Special Reference to Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited.” Through a meticulous assessment of financial indicators, governance structures, and operational efficiency, the study underscores why distribution reforms remain the linchpin of India’s energy transition. Strengthening DISCOMs is not merely a financial necessity; it is fundamental to achieving SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy, as well as ensuring energy equity and system reliability.
Governance innovation and service delivery reform—often overlooked in sustainability debates—form the core of the fifth paper, “Towards Efficient, Citizen-Centric and Transparent Public Services in Punjab through Sewa Kendras: An Assessment of Infrastructure, Service Delivery and Citizen Satisfaction.” This empirical study evaluates the effectiveness of Punjab’s Sewa Kendras as frontline governance institutions by examining infrastructure adequacy, service efficiency, transparency, and citizen satisfaction. The findings highlight how decentralised, technology-enabled, and citizen-focused public service models can significantly enhance trust in government, reduce transaction costs, and improve administrative sustainability. The paper reinforces the idea that good governance is not an abstract ideal but a measurable and indispensable component of sustainable development.
We then turn to the foundational goal of the global development agenda—poverty eradication. The sixth paper, “Sustainable Development for Freedom from Poverty: Realizing SDG 1,” offers a conceptual and policy-oriented analysis of poverty through a multidimensional lens. It emphasises the integration of livelihood diversification, social protection, community empowerment, and inclusive growth strategies to create durable pathways out of poverty. The paper powerfully reminds us that SDG 1 is the bedrock upon which all other development goals rest.
This issue concludes with a reflective Book Review of Dr. Subhash Chandra’s Anti-Aging: Remaining Young, Disease-Free with Increased Longevity. While seemingly outside the conventional boundaries of sustainability discourse, the book’s insights into preventive health, longevity, and lifestyle management reaffirm an essential truth: sustainable development is ultimately about sustaining human well-being across the life cycle.
The year 2025 has been particularly consequential for sustainable development globally and in India. It witnessed intensified climate action debates, renewed emphasis on green finance, growing recognition of governance reforms as sustainability enablers, and sharper scrutiny of inequality in growth outcomes. As nations recalibrated their SDG strategies amid economic uncertainty and ecological stress, the focus increasingly shifted from intent to implementation—from policy commitments to measurable outcomes. This issue of the journal reflects that global shift toward pragmatism, accountability, and integrated solutions.
As we step into 2026, there is cautious optimism alongside a clear sense of responsibility. The coming year must deepen inter-sectoral collaboration, strengthen institutional capacities, and accelerate the translation of research into policy and practice. We hope that the scholarship presented in this volume informs decision-making, stimulates informed debate, and contributes meaningfully to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
As we present this issue to our readers, we reaffirm IHRDI’s commitment to fostering research that bridges academia, policy, and practice. Sustainable development demands interdisciplinary thinking, collaborative action, and a willingness to engage with complex trade-offs. The contributions in this volume exemplify these principles and offer valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, practitioners, and students alike.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all authors, reviewers, and members of the editorial board for their dedication to academic rigour and excellence. We also thank our readers for their continued trust and engagement as we strengthen this journal as a platform for meaningful and impactful scholarship.
Dr. Sanjeev Chaddha
Editor-in-Chief
IHRDI Journal of Sustainable Development
December 2025
