Sustainable development is that process of economic development which aims at maintaining the quality of life of both present and future generations without harming natural resources and environment.
The main features of sustainable development are as under:

1. Sustained rise in real per capita income and economic welfare. There should be a sustained rise in real per capita income and economic welfare over the time.
2. Rational use of natural resources. Sustainable development does not mean that natural resources should not be used at all. It simply means that the natural resources should be rationally used in a manner such that they will not be excessively exploited.
3. No reduction in the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development aims at making use of natural resources for raising the existing standard of living in such a way as not to reduce ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.
4. No increase in pollution. Sustainable development discards those activities which may increase pollution and decrease quality of life of future generation.
5. It can be measured in terms of increased income, real income, educational services, health care, sanitation, water supply, etc. through the measures of Net Green National Income and increase in Genuine Savings.