Spatial Dynamics of Environmental Sustainability in India: Evidence from the Sub-National Environmental Quality Index

IJEP 46(6): 521-529 : Vol. 46 Issue 6 (June 2026)

Full Text

Gariyashi Borah and Kuki Kalpita Mahanta*

Dibrugarh University, Department of Statistics, Dibrugarh – 786 004, Assam, India

Abstract

India is socio-economically diverse and exhibits significant inter-state disparities in environmental quality. The present study constructs the environmental quality index (EQI) for 28 states and 6 union territories (UTs) in India. The EQI comprises three sub-indices: air quality, water quality and green cover and is based on secondary data from government and non-governmental sources. Box plots are used to assess regional variations in environmental quality. Results show that northeast India is the highest-performing region, while north India is the lowest. The findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to address disparities, mainly in air and water quality. This study offers policymakers valuable insights into adopting state-specific environmental management initiatives to safeguard the environment, promote well-being and improve India’s position on the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Keywords

Air quality, Water quality, Green cover, Principal component analysis, Box plots

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