Towards just cities: an environmental justice analysis of Aligarh, India

Environmental justice (EJ) is crucial for sustainable urban development. With about 44 per cent of the Indian population projected to live in cities by 2035, the infrastructure and the management systems are yet to catch up with the growing population. This has exacerbated environmental problems, with the impacts disproportionately affecting certain sections of the population. EJ studies have explored the unequal distribution of environmental benefits and burdens along socio-economic lines, but such studies in India remain limited, particularly outside major metropolitan and industrial cities. This study investigates the link between EJ and social inequality in Aligarh, focusing on how different social groups experience environmental risks and access to resources. The findings provide clear evidence that Aligarh is both environmentally vulnerable and unjust. There is a clear disparity in the distribution of environmental goods and services, with socially and economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods facing the greatest risks. A strong association exists between socio-economic status and environmental vulnerabilities, indicating that marginalised and minority groups face higher environmental risks than the general population. This highlights the need for inclusive policies and management practices to address environmental injustices in urban India, ensuring equitable access to resources and a healthier environment for all groups and communities.