Sustainability in Action: Kerala’s Eco-Friendly Development

Abstract

Kerala’s development model is often recognized for its achievements in literacy, health, and social equity, yet its economic and ecological trajectory reveals a more complex reality. The state’s transition from agriculture to services has been gradual, while industrialization has faced persistent barriers such as labor unrest, high wages, and political constraints. The large-scale migration of  Malayali workers to Gulf countries during the 1980s and 1990s provided a new source of income that transformed consumption patterns, housing, and lifestyle. Although remittances improved living standards and infrastructure, they also intensified ecological stress through increased demand for construction materials, largescale land excavation, soil and sand mining, and rapid urban expansion. This study investigates the environmental consequences of these economic shifts by combining primary data from Kozhikode and Kannur districts with secondary sources from government reports, journals, and other publications. Findings reveal that extensive extraction of rocks, stones, and soil for construction, alongside excessive use of plastics in everyday life, has disrupted ecological stability, leading to soil erosion, landslides, pollution, and declining environmental quality. The results highlight the contradictions of Kerala’s development: while socially progressive, it is environmentally vulnerable. The paper argues for a balanced development pathway that integrates ecological sustainability with economic growth. Policy recommendations include enforcing eco-friendly construction practices, limiting resource extraction through regulation and taxation, promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, and encouraging youth-driven innovations in sustainable housing. Such measures are essential to safeguard Kerala’s  environment while sustaining its economic and social progress.