India’s Environmental Achievements

Context:
India’s environmental accomplishments were overlooked in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, primarily due to the exclusion of country-reported data. Despite this, India has demonstrated leadership in various international environmental forums and made significant progress in biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.

1. Legislative Framework for Biodiversity Conservation

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

• Objective: Conservation and sustainable use of biological resources and regulation of access to associated traditional knowledge.
• Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs): Established at the local level to monitor biodiversity resources.
• State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs): Empowered to regulate access to threatened species and enforce conservation strategies.

Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023

• Enhances the regulatory framework for sustainable use and conservation of biological resources.
• Promotes the designation of Biodiversity Heritage Sites for protecting ecologically important areas.

2. Key Achievements in Land Management and Biodiversity Conservation

• Protected Areas:
  • India has designated 1,022 protected areas, covering 178,640 sq. km, equivalent to 5.43% of its geographical area.
• Forest Cover:
  • Increased from 21.23% in 2013 to 21.71% in 2021, contributing to global carbon sequestration efforts.
  • Global Forest Resource Assessment (GFRA): India ranks among the top 10 countries globally, with 72.16 lakh hectares of forest cover.

3. Flagship Conservation Projects

• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
  • Established around 487 protected areas to buffer critical habitats from developmental pressures.
• Ramsar Sites:
  • Increased from 26 in 2014 to 85 in 2024, showcasing India’s commitment to wetland conservation.
• Project Tiger:
  • Tiger reserves increased to 55, with the tiger population rising from 2,226 in 2014 to 3,682 in 2022.
• Project Lion:
  • The lion population in the Gir Landscape grew from 284 in 1990 to 674 in 2020.
• Cheetah Reintroduction:
  • India launched the first inter-continental large carnivore translocation project to reintroduce cheetahs.
• Elephant Reserves:
  • India hosts 33 elephant reserves with an estimated 30,000 wild Asian elephants.
• Leopard Population:
  • Stable at 13,874 individuals in 2023 compared to 12,852 in 2018, indicating healthy population management.
• Namami Gange Programme:
  • Recognized as a UN World Restoration Flagship Project for its efforts in rejuvenating the Ganga River ecosystem.

4. Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

• Alignment: India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework (KMGBF).
• Focus Areas:
  • Protection of terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
  • Restoration of degraded ecosystems.
  • Mitigation of biodiversity threats through policy and conservation programs.

5. Climate Action and Low-Emission Development

Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)

• Submitted to the UNFCCC in 2022, it outlines India’s pathway to low-carbon growth.
• Key Elements:
  • Promotion of low-carbon transportation systems and sustainable urbanization.
  • Enhancement of forest cover to serve as carbon sinks.

Major Initiatives:

• Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly urban development.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Includes eight missions targeting renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation.

India’s Leadership in International Environmental Forums

1. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): Focused on the conservation of big cats like tigers, lions, and leopards.
2. Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Encourages sustainable lifestyle practices to mitigate climate change.
3. International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promotes solar energy adoption globally.
4. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Enhances climate-resilient infrastructure development worldwide.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Challenge: Lack of recognition for India’s self-reported environmental data by global indices.
• Way Forward:
  1. Enhanced Data Transparency: Collaborate with global organizations to align reporting standards.
  2. Strengthen International Partnerships: Promote India’s environmental initiatives and leadership globally.
  3. Increased Public Awareness: Educate citizens on the importance of conservation efforts and their role in environmental sustainability.