As we enter into 2026, India once again prepares to transform into the world’s largest democratic stage. Millions of citizens will stand in queues to exercise their right to vote, political leaders will traverse vast constituencies to connect with people, and the nation will come alive in the spirit of democracy. Yet beneath this vibrant celebration lies a quieter challenge that receives far less attention — the environmental cost of our elections.
As we prepare for another electoral season, it is worth pausing to reflect on the ecological footprint of our democratic exercise. India’s elections are monumental in scale, but their impact extends far beyond politics. From plastic banners lining streets to tonnes of paper pamphlets scattered across constituencies, from fleets of fuel-driven vehicles to the energy consumed in rallies and lighting, the environmental cost is substantial. The time has come for India to move decisively towards Green Elections — an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach to democratic participation.
India is proud to be home to nearly a billion eligible voters, over a million polling booths, and an unparalleled logistical network that brings democracy to the doorstep of every citizen. But such an extensive operation inevitably generates enormous waste and emissions. Political campaigns, especially in large states, rely heavily on single-use materials such as plastic flex banners, PVC hoardings, and synthetic flags. Once the voting ends, these materials often end up in landfills or open drains, choking the same environment that supports our lives.
The problem extends beyond plastic. The amount of paper consumed in printing pamphlets, posters, and flyers is staggering. While technology has entered nearly every aspect of governance, election campaigns remain deeply traditional and resource-intensive. The countless vehicles used by political parties for campaigning, the extensive power used in lighting, sound systems, and air-conditioned pandals, all contribute to a significant carbon footprint. In a country striving toward a sustainable and self-reliant future, this paradox cannot be ignored.
The concept of Green Elections is rooted in the belief that democracy and environmental responsibility can and must coexist. A truly developed nation is one that grows not only in its economy but also in its consciousness. If India is to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, then sustainability must become the foundation of every major national process, including elections.
To imagine Green Elections is to reimagine how democracy functions on the ground. It means campaigns that rely on digital tools rather than disposable materials. It means replacing plastic with cloth and biodegradable alternatives, promoting electronic communication over printed pamphlets, and using renewable energy at polling stations. It also means encouraging citizens and political parties alike to adopt eco-friendly practices.
A sustainable election is not just an environmental initiative; it is an act of national discipline and civic maturity. It signifies that we value not only our right to vote but also our responsibility to the planet. This transformation requires a collaborative effort between the Election Commission, political parties, state governments, and citizens.
India already has the administrative strength and digital capacity to make this shift. The Election Commission has successfully conducted the world’s largest voting exercises with precision and integrity. By extending its focus to environmental sustainability, it can set a global benchmark for eco-conscious democratic processes. The introduction of biodegradable campaign materials, limits on vehicle use, and promotion of online campaigning are practical measures that can begin immediately.
The upcoming elections can become an example of how environmental consciousness and democratic participation can go hand in hand. Imagine an election where roads remain clean after rallies, where social media replaces plastic banners, and where candidates compete not only on political vision but also on their environmental commitment. Such an election would elevate the moral and civic quality of our democracy.
The benefits of this shift are not limited to the environment. Green elections can be a powerful driver of social awareness and economic innovation. By promoting biodegradable materials and renewable energy, the electoral process can stimulate local manufacturing, create green jobs, and encourage innovation in sustainable technologies. It would also reduce campaign costs and increase transparency by limiting wasteful spending on extravagant displays.
There is also a deeper cultural dimension to this transformation. Indian civilisation has always regarded nature as sacred. From the Rigveda to Mahatma Gandhi, our philosophical and moral traditions have emphasised balance with the environment. Bringing that ethos into the heart of our democratic process is not just desirable but necessary. When we make our elections environmentally responsible, we reaffirm our civilizational wisdom in a modern context.
To move forward, a national framework for sustainable elections is needed. The Election Commission, in collaboration with state governments and civil society organisations, can introduce clear environmental guidelines. Polling booths can be powered by solar energy, materials used in campaigns can be strictly biodegradable, and post-election clean-up drives can be made mandatory. Schools and colleges can engage students in green voter awareness campaigns, instilling a sense of responsibility in the next generation.
Political parties, too, must embrace this change as part of their accountability to the people. Just as they are required to disclose their financial expenditure, they should also report their environmental footprint. A Green Code of Conduct, complementing the Model Code of Conduct, can make sustainability a measurable aspect of political responsibility.
The call for green elections is not a critique of democracy; it is an evolution of it. It reflects an India that is forward-looking, responsible, and aware of the consequences of its actions. As the country steps confidently toward its centenary of independence in 2047, sustainability must become the moral foundation of governance, and democracy must lead that transformation.
Upcoming elections are a timely reminder that progress cannot be defined only by infrastructure and technology. It must also be measured by how thoughtfully we engage with the world around us. Every vote we cast and every campaign we run leaves a mark not only on the ballot but also on the environment. When that mark is green, we strengthen both our democracy and our planet.
India’s future lies in harmonising tradition with innovation, ambition with responsibility, and democracy with ecology. Green Elections are not just a choice; they are the need of the hour. They represent a vision of a nation where participation is not only about political will but also about collective wisdom — the wisdom to protect, preserve, and progress together. When India votes next, let it also breathe easier.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication. |
