In a year of extreme weather events, govt pushed coal, diluted green laws

As the year draws to a close, we take a look at the major events that affected India's energy, climate and environment policies

Much of 2020 was lost to the lockdown but the environment sector did not remain dormant in India. The solar sector, for example, touched new benchmarks with tariffs plummeting to Rs 1.99 per kWh (or 1 unit of electricity). The coal sector stumbled despite renewed government interest.

The lockdown gave city-dwellers some respite from outdoor air pollution but exposure to indoor pollution--a silent killer--increased. Also, erratic weather and extreme climate events were reported from across the country.

Amidst all this, India diluted several laws that have acted as environmental safeguards during fast-paced economic growth.

As the year draws to a close, we take