In line with its global commitments to tackle climate change, the country has adopted comprehensive, multi-pronged policies that integrates resilience, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The actions are aligned with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which include reducing the emission intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels), achieving 50% cumulative power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, and attaining net zero by 2070. To this end, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and its allied missions form the backbone of India’s domestic climate framework.
As per a written reply in parliament by Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the initiatives are as follows;
Resilient Infrastructure & Habitat
- The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) focuses on strengthening the capacity of Indian cities to withstand climate-related shocks and adapt to extreme weather events.
- Special emphasis is placed on climate-resilient housing and infrastructure in coastal, flood-prone, and drought-affected areas.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), schemes like Per Drop More Crop promote micro-irrigation for efficient water use, while Rainfed Area Development supports integrated farming systems to mitigate risks of climatic variability.
State-Level Action
- 34 States and Union Territories have prepared State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs), tailoring adaptation and sustainability measures to regional challenges.
Biodiversity Conservation
- India has notified 50 Biodiversity Heritage Sites and established 18 Biosphere Reserves (12 of which are part of UNESCO’s World Network).
- National boards and community-led biodiversity committees ensure grassroots participation in managing biological resources.
- The updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) sets 23 biodiversity targets with 142 indicators, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, focusing on ecosystem restoration, conservation of hotspots (Western Ghats, Himalayas, Northeast), and sustainable practices.
Eco-Sensitive Zones & Wildlife Protection
- Over 120 Eco-Sensitive Zones have been set up across biodiversity hotspots to serve as “shock absorbers” for highly fragile ecosystems.
- Strong legislative backing comes from the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and the Environment Protection Act (1986)
Wildlife Programs
- Tiger Conservation: India’s tiger population rose to 3,682 in 2022, supported by 58 tiger reserves covering 2.5% of landmass and a three-pronged conflict management strategy.
- Elephant Conservation: With an estimated population of nearly 30,000 elephants, 33 Elephant Reserves across 14 states safeguard both species and habitats. Human-elephant conflicts are addressed with awareness programs, coexistence guidelines (2023), and compensation mechanisms.
- Other initiatives include the Snow Leopard Project, ecological monitoring, and species recovery programs.
The framework for climate and biodiversity action demonstrates a clear alignment with global sustainable development goals, economic resilience, and international climate commitments. By combining strategic policy interventions, multi-level governance, community engagement, and technology-driven solutions, the country is navigating a balanced path between conservation and economic growth.
The key challenges in this endeavor include balancing the urgent need for environmental conservation with the demands of economic development, coordinating efforts across various government levels, and scaling new technologies.
