India’s Green Pathway: From Conservation to Climate Action

Overview

India has evolved its environmental strategy from isolated conservation efforts to a comprehensive, integrated approach encompassing biodiversity protection, climate mitigation, pollution control, and sustainable development. This shift reflects India’s commitment to balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability and global climate leadership.

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management

Rich Biodiversity

  • India occupies 2.4% of global land area but harbors 8% of the world’s recorded species.
  • Home to over 96,000 animal species and 47,000 plant species, making it one of the 17 megadiverse countries.

Legal and Policy Framework

  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Implements the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD, 1992).
  • National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–2030:
  • Launched at UNCCD COP16 (Saudi Arabia).
  • Aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
  • Vision: “Living in harmony with nature” by 2050.
  • Focus areas: Ecosystem restoration, species recovery, wetland/coastal conservation, and decentralized governance via biodiversity management committees.

Protected Areas and Wildlife Projects

  • Protected Areas: Increased from 745 (2014) to 1,134 (2025), including national parks, sanctuaries, and conservation reserves.
  • Wildlife Corridors: Emphasis on safe animal movement to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Flagship Conservation Projects:
  • Project Tiger:
  • 58 Tiger Reserves (newest: Madhav Tiger Reserve, MP).
  • India hosts ~75% of global wild tiger population.
  • Project Elephant:
  • 33 Elephant Reserves across 15 states.
  • 150 identified elephant corridors for safe migration.
  • Project Cheetah:
  • Population: 30 cheetahs (including 19 cubs born in India).
  • Expansion to Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary (MP).
  • Project Snow Leopard:
  • First assessment: 718 snow leopards (highest in Ladakh).
  • Phase 2.0 launched in late 2025.
  • Project Dolphin:
  • Population: 6,327 riverine dolphins (2021–2023).
  • Second range-wide survey launched in January 2026.

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

  • Launched by India in 2023 during 50 years of Project Tiger.
  • 95 big cat range countries and interested non-range nations.
  • Secretariat headquartered in India, approved by Union Cabinet.
  • Aims to foster global collaboration in big cat conservation.

New Species Initiatives (Launched during Wildlife Week 2025)

  • Project Sloth Bear and Project Gharial.
  • Focus on landscape-level conservation integrating species protection with ecosystem restoration.

Biosphere Reserves

  • 18 Biosphere Reserves in India.
  • 13 recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
  • Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Himachal Pradesh) added in September 2025.

Forest and Fire Management

  • Forest Fire Monitoring System:
  • Operated by Forest Survey of India (FSI).
  • 24x7 satellite-based real-time alerts via SMS/email.
  • Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother):
  • 262.4 crore saplings planted by end-2025.
  • Citizen-led mass afforestation campaign.

Wetlands and Coastal Conservation

  • Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI):
  • 4,536 hectares restored in 2025.
  • 22,560 hectares identified for future plantation across 13 States/UTs.
  • Enhances coastal resilience and livelihoods.
  • Ramsar Sites:
  • 11 new sites added in 2025 → Total: 98 (highest in Asia, 3rd globally).
  • Udaipur and Indore: First Ramsar-accredited Wetland Cities in India.
  • National Coastal Mission (2025–2031):
  • Extended to enhance climate resilience, erosion control, and coral reef protection.
  • Blue Flag Beaches:
  • 18 beaches certified (across 7 states, 4 UTs) for cleanliness, safety, and sustainability.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Management

  • Strict advisories to identify hotspots and coordinate response.
  • Rapid response teams established.
  • Ex gratia relief for death/injury paid within 24 hours.
  • Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management launched.
  • Project on Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves initiated.

Pollution Control and Circular Economy

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

  • Targets 130 cities.
  • 103 cities reduced PM10 levels (2017–18 to 2024–25).
  • 64 cities: >20% reduction.
  • 25 cities: >40% reduction.

Fly Ash Utilization

  • Mandatory 100% utilization from thermal power plants.
  • 340 million tonnes generated (2024–25) → 332.63 million tonnes utilized.
  • Applications:
  • 32% in roads, 27% in cement, 14% in bricks.

Waste Recycling and EPR

  • Waste recycling plants: Nearly quadrupled (2019–2025).
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
  • 71,000+ producers, 4,400+ recyclers registered by Dec 2025.
  • 375 lakh tonnes of waste recycled.
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016:
  • EPR targets up to 100% by 2024–25.
  • 2026 amendments: Allow carry-forward of unmet targets for 3 years, with 1/3 cleared annually.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

  • Composite SDG Index score: 57 (2018) → 71 (2023–24).
  • Guided by NITI Aayog.

Climate Action and Clean Energy

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

  • Overarching framework with 9 National Missions (e.g., Solar, Water, Sustainable Agriculture).
  • Balances mitigation and adaptation.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0, 2031–2035)

  1. 60% of cumulative electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035.
  • Achieved 52.57% by Feb 2026 (already met 2030 target of 50%).
  1. Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47% (vs 2005) by 2035.
  • Achieved 36% reduction by 2020 (on track to beat 45% target for 2030).
  1. Additional carbon sink of 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent via forests by 2035.
  • 2.29 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent created by 2025.

Net-Zero and Green Hydrogen

  • Net-Zero by 2070.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission:
  • Target: 5 million metric tonnes/year by 2030.

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

  • Grassroots movement promoting sustainable living.
  • 6 crore people engaged, 5 crore pledges by Dec 2025.

Clean Energy Expansion (as of Jan 2026)

  • Total installed capacity: ~520.5 GW.
  • Non-fossil: ~272 GW (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, biomass).
  • Fossil: ~248.5 GW.
  • Non-fossil now dominates India’s energy mix.
Global Rankings (2025)
  • 3rd in solar power.
  • 4th in wind power.
  • 4th in total renewable energy.
Milestone Projects
  • Modhera (Gujarat): India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village.
  • Omkareshwar (MP): Largest floating solar park in India.
Efficiency Gains
  • CO₂ emission intensity in power sector:
  • Dropped from 61.45 to 40.52 tonnes per ₹ crore of GDP (2015–2023).

Carbon Markets and Industrial Decarbonization

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

  • Domestic scheme operationalized to promote compliance and offset mechanisms.

Industrial Accountability

  • 490 major emission-intensive entities now under GHG emission intensity targets (Jan 2026).

Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS)

  • Rs 20,000 crore allocated (2026–27 Budget) over five years.
  • Aims to develop CCUS technologies for heavy industries.

Global Leadership and Multilateral Engagement

Diplomacy

  • COP30 (Brazil, 2025):
  • Advocated for technology transfer.
  • Joined Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF).

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

  • Hosted 8th ISA Assembly (late 2025).
  • Promotes solar energy adoption in sun-rich countries.

Montreal Protocol

  • Phased down 67.5% of HCFCs (ozone-depleting substances) by 2025.

Conclusion

India’s environmental strategy exemplifies a paradigm shift from species-specific conservation to integrated climate action. By aligning domestic policies with global commitments, leveraging technology, and mobilizing citizens, India is advancing toward its 2050 vision of “living in harmony with nature” while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

“India’s environmental strategy reflects a shift from conservation to climate action.” Critically examine.

Model Points:

  • Evolution: From Project Tiger (1973) to NDCs and LiFE.
  • Integration: Biodiversity, energy, pollution, and SDGs now interlinked.
  • Global Role: Leadership in ISA, IBCA, climate justice advocacy.
  • Challenges: Implementation gaps, industrial compliance, urban pollution.
  • Conclusion: A holistic, scalable model for developing nations.