Why Human Will drives India's Green Future

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My Sustainable Encounter with Dr. Abhishek Khapre

by Albert Schiller

The Urgent Challenge 

How much does the human variable weigh in the grand calculus of sustainability? Grand policies are drafted, and innovative technologies developed, yet the chasm between intent and execution remains a persistent challenge in large-scale environmental projects. Drawing from his extensive experience across various governmental and private sectors, Abhishek consistently highlights this crucial disconnect. He unequivocally states that successfully bridging this gap, particularly in complex public projects, necessitates more than technical prowess; it demands profound human engagement. Building trust and fostering genuine cooperation among myriad stakeholders, from urban local bodies to local communities, is "the tough task". This reality mandates a strategic approach focused on demonstrating tangible value, often through initial pilot studies, to convince and onboard partners into the ambitious vision.

Incentives vs. Penalties

How do you catalyze action when the scale of the challenge is so immense? Historically, governance often leaned on punitive measures. "Basically, in India, what was happening, they were giving the penalties. If I am not following the rule, I'll be penalized. But when you are following the rules, you are getting nothing". This observation by Abhishek underscores a critical insight into human motivation. The Swachh Bharat Mission has increasingly recognized this, particularly in its evolved phases. By systematically integrating incentivization into its framework, through mechanisms like the "Swachh Survekshan," the mission has strategically shifted from solely enforcing compliance to actively rewarding positive behavior. "Rather than penalizing someone... when you start incentivizing his efforts, people are carried away to that side very quickly towards the incentives". Rather than rigid top-down mandates, this pragmatic understanding of human psychology proves key to driving widespread behavioral change and ensuring the long-term sustainability of initiatives.

Language, Culture, and Context

India's unparalleled diversity presents a unique crucible for nationwide sustainability initiatives. Implementing uniform policies across regions with vastly different geographies, climates, population densities, food habits, and languages becomes an intricate puzzle. Abhishek’s work across various states, from the coastal regions to the Himalayan foothills, reinforced a vital lesson: "the local language you need to learn every time you need to respond in that local language". This is more than a courtesy; it is the fundamental conduit for establishing a genuine connection and trust with local populations. Without this localized understanding and the ability to communicate directly, overcoming the inherent "lacuna" of public participation becomes exponentially more difficult. The successful adoption of any environmental program hinges on its technical merit and its resonance with each community's specific cultural and social fabric.

Reclaiming Individual Responsibility

One of the most pervasive misconceptions Abhishek actively confronts is the notion that waste management is solely the domain of municipal corporations or the government. While citizens pay taxes, the sheer demographic scale of India, exceeding 1.4 billion people, renders it "absolutely impossible for any corporation or any State government, or any central government to manage the West reduced by 140 crore public". The philosophical implication here is profound: Effective waste management is not merely a civic service, but a shared liability demanding active individual responsibility. The practical consequence of neglecting this is evident in the 99% mixed waste arriving at landfills, complicating mechanical segregation and often relegating it to informal workers, compromising their dignity. Abhishek argues for a simple yet transformative solution at the source: segregating wet and dry waste at the household level, which could solve "60% of the problem". This reduces the burden on the waste management system and contributes to a cleaner and healthier environment. This requires a fundamental shift in individual mindset, from passive payer to active participant.

A Long-Term Commitment

Ultimately, sustainability is not a destination achieved but an unwavering process. Abhishek articulates that even if a system is not yielding 100% efficiency, "the process must go on". His reasoning is rooted in a bioengineer’s understanding: interrupting a process, like stopping a biogas plant in winter, attenuates the active microbial culture, requiring significant effort to restart. "The emphasis should be given on the process". This philosophical stance extends to the urgent global challenges. Abhishek warns against the short-sightedness of overconsumption and overproduction, citing the rapid spread of microplastics into ecosystems and even human DNA. His vision for the coming decade is clear: a collective mindset shift where waste is universally recognized as a dynamic resource, integral to a truly circular economy, and preserving our planet for future generations. This long-term commitment to sustainability is not just a goal, but a way of life we must all adopt.

So what can we take from his approach?

Questions for Audience

1. Considering India's vast linguistic and cultural diversity, what are the most effective strategies for policymakers to genuinely engage citizens in shared environmental responsibilities beyond financial incentives?

2. Abhishek emphasizes the "unwavering process" over 100% efficiency in sustainability. How can this principle be applied to other complex global challenges where perfect immediate solutions are unattainable, encouraging sustained effort?