Key Facts & Data Points

  • Forest Cover: India ranked 9th globally in forest area (FAO 2025) and 3rd in annual net forest gain.
  • Aravalli Restoration: Detailed Action Plan implemented; 36,025 ha restored in 2025.
  • Protected Areas: Total 1,134 (up from 745 in 2014); Community Reserves 309.
  • Elephant Reserves: Increased to 33 (from 26 in 2014).
  • Madhav Tiger Reserve: Newly declared in Madhya Pradesh.
  • All‑India Tiger Estimation: 6th round launched.
  • Project Cheetah: Expansion into Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary; total cheetah population 30 (including 19 cubs).
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 22 cities met NAAQS for PM10 in 2024‑25.
  • Nagar Van Yojana: 75 new urban‑green projects sanctioned.
  • MISHTI Programme: 4,536 ha mangroves restored.
  • Ramsar Sites: 11 new sites added, total 96 (highest in Asia); Udaipur & Indore designated as Ramsar Wetland Cities.
  • Blue Flag Beaches: 18 certified (2025‑26).
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): 71,401 producers & 4,447 recyclers registered; 375.11 lakh tonnes waste recycled.
  • Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Operationalised; green credits issued after 5 years for ≥40 % canopy density.
  • Renewable Energy: Non‑fossil fuel installed capacity crossed 50 % in June 2025, five years ahead of the 2030 NDC target.
  • PARIVESH 2.0: Fully automated single‑window clearance system integrated with PM Gatishakti NMP and NSWS.

Background & Context

  • The Ministry’s review underscores India's commitment to Ecologically Sustainable Development as articulated in the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the Paris Agreement.
  • The Green Credit Programme (GCP) and Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025 aim to incentivise forest restoration and streamline afforestation for mining projects.
  • PARIVESH 2.0 reflects the digital‑governance push to reduce procedural delays in environmental clearances, aligning with the Ease of Doing Business agenda.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • International Standing: Improved forest rankings enhance India’s credibility in global climate negotiations.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Expansion of tiger, elephant, cheetah and other flagship species habitats strengthens compliance with Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
  • Air Quality: NCAP progress contributes to health outcomes and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.
  • Circular Economy: EPR data signals a shift towards waste‑to‑resource models, supporting SDG 12.
  • Climate Finance: Introduction of Sovereign Green Bonds and a functional CCTS paves the way for mobilising private capital for mitigation.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 21 (Right to Life) interpreted by the Supreme Court to include a right to a clean and healthy environment.
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 – provides the statutory basis for many of the 2025 reforms (e.g., contaminated site management rules).
  • National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 – recommended to be expanded for stronger enforcement.
  • Polluter Pays Principle – advocated for codification as a statutory rule.
  • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 – amended provisions for compensatory afforestation linked to mining.

Key Reforms Undertaken in 2025

  • Revised Green Credit Programme (GCP) – opens participation to private entities; credit issuance after 5 years of canopy achievement.
  • Van Amendment Rules, 2025 – simplifies land‑bank creation and compensatory afforestation for mining.
  • Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 – framework for site remediation.
  • Environment Audit Rules, 2025 – introduces certified third‑party auditors.
  • PARIVESH 2.0 – end‑to‑end digital clearance, GIS‑enabled decision support.
  • EIA Notification, 2006 (Amended) – re‑classification of mining projects, rationalised green‑belt norms.

Future Steps Needed (Analytical Outlook)

  1. Legal Strengthening – Make Right to Clean Environment a standalone Fundamental Right; expand NGT jurisdiction.
  2. Green Finance – Mandatory CCTS offsets for high‑emitting sectors; scale sovereign green bonds; earmark 50 % of CSR for environmental projects.
  3. Urban Planning – Institutionalise “Sponge City” concepts, net‑zero building codes, and nature‑based solutions.
  4. Coastal & Forest Resilience – Integrated Coastal Zone Management, living shorelines, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
  5. Sectoral Decarbonisation – EVs, hydrogen, bio‑CNG; climate‑smart agriculture; urban mining for critical minerals.

Drishti Mains Question: Evaluate the policy measures required to strengthen India’s environmental conservation, renewable energy transition, and climate‑resilient infrastructure.

FAQs

  1. India’s global ranking in forest area (FAO 2025) – 9th.
  2. Non‑fossil fuel capacity target achieved in 2025 – Crossed 50 % installed capacity.
  3. Mangrove restoration under MISHTI (2025) – 4,536 ha.