Dr Rakesh Verma
In an era defined by increasing environmental consciousness and the urgent need for sustainable practices, the concept of “Green Elections” has emerged as a pioneering approach to conducting democratic processes in an eco-friendly manner. Green Elections represent an innovative effort to minimize the environmental footprint of electoral activities, ensuring that every stage, from campaigning to polling and post-election operations, adheres to sustainable principles. This approach seeks to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste generation, and promote the use of eco-friendly materials, thereby aligning electoral integrity with environmental stewardship.
The genesis of Green Elections in India can be traced to the efforts of Heera Lal Patel, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, who introduced the country’s first Green Election model. Patel’s initiative gained traction and was first implemented in the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Punjab in June 2024. Subsequently, the model was adopted in the Maharashtra Assembly elections in Anushakti Nagar and Chembur in November 2024, and more recently, in the Junagadh by-elections in Gujarat in 2025. Patel’s model aligns with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) 2023 guidelines on “Green Elections,” which consolidated eco-friendly directives for electoral activities, providing a comprehensive framework for sustainable election management.
In August 2023, the ECI reissued comprehensive instructions aimed at making elections more sustainable. The then Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, emphasized that India had set a global benchmark for conducting low-carbon, environmentally responsible elections. Key directives included minimizing the use of single-use plastics in campaigns, encouraging digital promotion instead of printed materials, utilizing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to cut paper use, and promoting waste segregation and recycling during election operations. The use of EVMs during the 2024 General Elections alone saved approximately 11,520 tons of paper, as reported by the ECI, underscoring the significant environmental benefits of adopting technology in electoral processes.
The environmental rationale behind Green Elections is compelling, given the substantial waste generated during traditional election campaigns. A 2019 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimated that Indian elections generate nearly 6,000 metric tons of plastic waste from campaign materials alone. Posters, banners, and hoardings made of PVC and flex are major contributors to this environmental burden. The Green Election model seeks to counter this damage by promoting the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, conducting tree plantation drives to offset carbon emissions, promoting paperless campaigns through digital platforms, and encouraging citizen and stakeholder participation in eco-awareness efforts.
Heera Lal Patel’s leadership and passion for ecology have been instrumental in driving the Green Election initiative. Throughout his career, Patel has consistently advocated for integrating environmental responsibility into governance. His earlier tenure as District Magistrate, Banda (UP), was marked by tree plantation initiatives and the elimination of plastic use, efforts that drew national attention and recognition. Patel’s commitment to environmental sustainability has inspired stakeholders to contribute to the Green Election process.
The Green Election initiative represents a shift towards responsible democracy, merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship. By adopting sustainable practices in electoral processes, India is taking a significant step toward climate-conscious governance and setting a global precedent for sustainable electoral practices. The initiative promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, reduces waste generation, and encourages citizen participation in environmental conservation efforts.
One of the critical components of Green Elections is the reduction of paper usage through the adoption of digital technologies. The use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has significantly reduced the need for paper ballots, saving thousands of tons of paper during elections. Digital promotion and social media campaigns have also reduced the reliance on printed materials, minimizing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. Waste management is another essential aspect of Green Elections. Traditional election campaigns often generate large amounts of waste, including posters, banners, and single-use plastics. Green Elections promote waste segregation and recycling during election operations, ensuring that waste is disposed of responsibly and that recyclable materials are reused. The use of biodegradable and recyclable materials in campaign materials further reduces the environmental impact of elections.
Citizen participation and stakeholder engagement are crucial to the success of Green Elections. The initiative encourages citizens to participate in eco-awareness efforts and promotes collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, political parties, and civil society organizations. By involving all stakeholders in the process, Green Elections fosters a sense of shared responsibility for environmental sustainability.
The long-term impact of Green Elections extends beyond environmental conservation. By promoting sustainable practices in electoral processes, the initiative contributes to broader efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Green Elections also enhance the credibility and integrity of the electoral process by demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The challenges and opportunities associated with Green Elections must be addressed to ensure the initiative’s success. One of the challenges is the need for greater awareness and education among voters and election officials about the importance of sustainable practices. Another challenge is the cost of implementing eco-friendly measures, which may require additional funding and resources. However, the opportunities associated with Green Elections are significant, including the potential to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste generation, and promote environmental conservation.
To overcome these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, several strategies can be implemented. First, public awareness campaigns can be launched to educate voters and election officials about the benefits of Green Elections and the importance of sustainable practices. Second, financial incentives can be provided to encourage political parties and candidates to adopt eco-friendly measures. Third, partnerships can be established with civil society organizations and environmental groups to promote Green Elections and mobilize citizen participation.
The Green Election initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable democracy in India. By merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship, India is setting a global precedent for sustainable electoral practices. The initiative promotes the use of eco-friendly materials, reduces waste generation, and encourages citizen participation in environmental conservation efforts. With continued commitment and collaboration, Green Elections can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for India.
The success of Green Elections depends on the active participation and support of all stakeholders, including government agencies, political parties, election officials, civil society organizations, and citizens. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that elections are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, minimizing the impact on the planet and promoting a sustainable future.
The Green Election initiative is not just about reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly materials; it is about transforming the way elections are conducted and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among all stakeholders. By adopting sustainable practices in electoral processes, India is demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
The Green Election initiative also has the potential to inspire other countries to adopt similar measures, contributing to a global movement toward sustainable electoral practice. By sharing its experiences and best practices, India can play a leading role in promoting environmental sustainability in the democratic process.
The Green Election initiative is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. By merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship, India is creating a model for sustainable democracy that can be emulated by countries around the world.
The Green Election initiative is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. As new technologies and sustainable practices emerge, they should be incorporated into the electoral process to further reduce its environmental impact. The initiative should also be regularly evaluated to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
The Green Election initiative is not just about conducting elections in an environmentally responsible manner; it is about creating a more sustainable and equitable society for all. By promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development, the initiative is contributing to a better future for generations to come. The Green Election initiative is a symbol of hope and progress in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. By demonstrating that it is possible to conduct democratic processes in an environmentally responsible manner, India is inspiring people around the world to take action and create a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, the Green Election initiative represents a transformative approach to conducting elections in India, merging electoral integrity with environmental stewardship. By promoting sustainable practices, reducing waste, and encouraging citizen participation, the initiative is contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the country. With continued commitment and collaboration, Green Elections can serve as a model for other countries to emulate, fostering a global movement toward sustainable democracy. The Green Election initiative is not just about conducting elections; it is about creating a culture of environmental responsibility and building a more sustainable and equitable society for all. It is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in addressing environmental challenges and promoting a brighter future for generations to come.
