Title: Environmental accounting as a Strategic Tool for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: an Analysis of India's Development Agenda.
Authors: Pandya Janhvi Devendrabhai
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 98-102
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Sustainable development has emerged as a central priority in India's policy framework, particularly in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. In this context, Environmental Accounting (EA) plays a crucial role in integrating environmental concerns into economic decision-making. The primary objective of this study is to examine how environmental accounting can function as a strategic tool to support sustainable development in India by promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible resource utilization. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research methodology, based on an extensive review of secondary data including government reports, policy documents, sustainability reports of Indian organizations, and existing academic literature. The research analyzes the relevance of environmental accounting practices in addressing ecological challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, while supporting inclusive economic growth.,The key findings indicate that environmental accounting enhances informed policy formulation, encourages corporate environmental responsibility, and strengthens sustainable governance mechanisms. Despite its strategic potential, the study identifies challenges such as lack of standardized reporting frameworks, limited awareness, and inadequate institutional capacity in India. From the perspective of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), environmental accounting resonates with traditional Indian philosophies that emphasize harmony between nature and human activities. Further, the integration of sustainability-oriented accounting education under NEP 2020 can foster environmentally conscious future professionals. Overall, the study highlights that effective implementation of environmental accounting can significantly contribute to India's long-term sustainability goals and the realization of Viksit Bharat @2047.