Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Sustainability in Practice: Integrating Environment, Economy, and Governance for Equitable Growth

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