In the backdrop of India's economic development, this introduction outlines the heavy price paid for progress in terms of environmental quality. As globalization spurs higher economic growth, it necessitates a conscious choice towards sustainable development to mitigate adverse consequences on the environment. The significance of understanding the environment's role in economic development is highlighted, alongside a breakdown of the chapter into three sections: the functions of the environment, the current state of India's environment, and strategies for achieving sustainable development.