Abstract

Environmental social responsibility is one of the remarkable developments in the 21st century. In regards to the corporate response the ESR has contributed significantly towards the climate goals and protection of the environment from hazards of pollution. Environmental Social Responsibility (ESR) has originated as a critical framework for integrating the economic progress of the nation with ecological integrity and social equity. As the nation undergoes rapid industrialisation, urban expansion, and demographic pressures, the imperatives of sustainable growth demand a robust and integrated approach that transcends traditional environmental protection models. ESR situates environmental stewardship within a broader socio-economic context, emphasising the collective obligation of government, industry, and civil society to safeguard natural resources, mitigate environmental degradation, and promote inclusive development. This paper examines the evolving landscape of ESR in India, tracing its normative foundations in constitutional mandates, legislative frameworks, and judicial interventions that have progressively expanded the scope of environmental rights and responsibilities. The study highlights the role of corporate entities under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has increasingly incorporated environmental priorities such as renewable energy adoption, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient community initiatives. It underscores that ESR goes beyond compliance-driven environmental management to foster proactive, ethically grounded actions that generate shared value. Drawing on case studies from public and private sectors, this research analyses how ESR-driven strategies, ranging from green supply chains and circular economy models to community-based natural resource management, contribute to long-term sustainability while enhancing social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised populations disproportionately affected by environmental risks. The paper further explores the intersection of ESR with India’s commitments under global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and national policies like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Ultimately, this paper proposes key pathways for embedding ESR into India’s developmental trajectory: robust policy integration, enhanced corporate accountability, participatory governance, green innovation, and community empowerment. By institutionalising ESR across all levels of society, India can advance a development paradigm that is not only economically sustainable but also socially inclusive and environmentally resilient.

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