On one hand, India is rapidly climbing the ladder of economic development, while on the other hand, the increasing threat of climate change remains a big challenge for the whole world. In such a situation, it is natural that the question arises in the mind of the common man that how will we save our environment without compromising the pace of progress of the country? This important issue was discussed in depth in TV9 Network’s prestigious What India Thinks Today (WITT) Summit 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated for the third consecutive time in the fourth edition of this summit held on 23 and 24 March and presented his vision to the country.
One of the most important sessions of the summit was Energy Conundrum India’s Way Out. On this forum, industry and environment leaders drew a blueprint on how India will balance its growing energy needs and climate security.
What is the master plan of the country?
Inaugurating the session, former Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri clarified the dual objectives facing India. On one hand we have to become ‘Developed India’ by 2047, on the other hand we also have to achieve the target of ‘Net Zero’ (zero carbon emissions) by 2070. Today, when there is an environment of geopolitical turmoil and energy insecurity across the world, there is a need for innovations that can achieve both these goals simultaneously.
Taking the conversation forward, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General of TERI, said that the real challenge is to take research out of the four walls of laboratories and reach it to the common man. He also broke a big myth that ‘clean and green energy is always expensive’. According to Dr. Dhawan, this is just a change in our thinking, whereas today we have cheap and accessible solutions and despite the large size of India, green infrastructure is being managed in an excellent manner.
Waste to electricity: indigenous formula to end foreign dependence
The biggest question for the common man is that where will our energy come from in the future and will we depend on foreign countries for it? Dr. S.S.V., Chief Technology Officer of AM Green. Ramkumar gave a very practical and encouraging answer to this. He told that ‘molecular treasure’ is present in India itself.
Clarifying the situation through figures, he said that about 228 million tonnes of agricultural biomass and 100 million tonnes of waste from the sugar industry is produced in India. If this waste is used properly, it can generate 42 gigawatts of green energy, 60,000 kiloliters of ethanol or 60,000 tonnes of compressed biogas (CBG) per day. It is clear from this that there is no dearth of green energy options in the country and this will strengthen our energy security.
Preparing for zero emissions by 2035
Along with government and scientific efforts, the private sector is also moving rapidly in this direction. Giving the example of his company, Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tech Mahindra, said that they are on their way to becoming the first company in India to achieve the target of ‘Net Zero’ by 2035. Their target of using 90 percent renewable energy by 2030 is also being achieved rapidly.
On similar lines, Whole Time Director of DCM Shriram Limited, K.K. Sharma also highlighted his company’s long-term strategies to increase the share of green energy in its energy portfolio and implement circular economy models.
India’s position is strong
In this summit based on the broad theme of ‘India and the World’, TERI Associate Director Arupendra Nath Mallik concluded the session. He emphasized that India is striking a wonderful balance between its economic growth and sustainability. The direct meaning of this discussion for the common people is that in future our energy will be indigenous, environment friendly and accessible to the people. This change will not only reduce pollution but will also make the country truly self-reliant.