Report of the Working Group on "Effective Integrating Industrial Growth and Environment Sustainability Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-2017)

Abstract

The Twelfth Five-Year Plan Report on Industrial Growth and Environmental Sustainability (2012-2017) emphasizes the integration of economic development with environmental stewardship in India. Recognizing the rapid industrial growth post-liberalization, the report advocates a strategic approach to mitigate environmental impacts while sustaining industrial expansion. Key recommendations include mainstreaming green business practices, protecting natural resources, and establishing a Green Technology Fund of ₹25,000 crores to support research, innovation, and technology upgrades. The plan promotes organized waste management, energy-efficient green buildings, and environmentally compliant operations in MSMEs through shared infrastructure solutions like Common Effluent Treatment Plants. Complementing industrial sustainability, the report underscores the importance of corporate environmental disclosure, encouraging voluntary reporting under frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to enhance transparency, accountability, and stakeholder confidence. Incentives for voluntary disclosure and the development of an Environmental Sustainability Benchmark Index are proposed to incentivize sustainable practices across sectors. Overall, the report envisions an industrial growth trajectory that harmonizes economic output with ecological responsibility, fostering long-term sustainable development and improved environmental performance in India.