India Showcases Environmental Progress on World Environment Day

Why in the News ?

On World Environment Day, Union Ministers highlighted India’s achievements in renewable energy expansion, forest cover growth, and environmental conservation initiatives, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action through robust environmental clearances and regulatory frameworks.

India’s Achievements in Environmental Conservation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that India has emerged as the world’s third-largest renewable energy capacity holder.

He highlighted major initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the expansion of solar energy across the country, supported by streamlined environmental clearances and comprehensive environmental impact assessment procedures.

India has become one of the top three countries globally in annual forest cover growth, reflecting sustained efforts toward afforestation and ecosystem restoration under the Forest Conservation Act.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have planted more than 7.5 crore saplings over the last six years, contributing to environmental protection and creating a pollution free environment.

The government continues to promote environmental sustainability through a combination of policy measures, public participation, and green technologies, while strengthening environmental jurisprudence and ensuring compliance with the EIA Notification.

Environmental Governance and Regulatory Framework

India’s environmental governance framework has been strengthened through adherence to the polluter pays principle and precautionary principle, which form the cornerstone of environmental democracy.

The government has emphasized that environmental clearances must be obtained before project commencement, discouraging ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances that undermine regulatory integrity.

Landmark judgments like the Vanashakti judgment have reinforced the importance of prior environmental impact assessment and proper adherence to environmental regulations including Coastal Regulation Zone norms.

The Ministry continues to ensure that all developmental projects undergo rigorous scrutiny through the environmental clearance process, preventing any ex-post or post facto approvals that could compromise environmental standards.

Role of Public Participation and Sustainability Initiatives

●   Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s progress in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

●  He noted achievements in ecosystem restoration, green cover expansion, and climate action initiatives.

●   The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign has encouraged citizens to actively participate in tree plantation and environmental conservation.

●   Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged people to plant more trees to secure a healthier environment for future generations.

●  The celebrations reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable lifestyles.

About World Environment Day and India’s Green Initiatives: ●   World Environment Day is observed annually on 5 June and is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). ●   It was established in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference and first celebrated in 1973. ●   The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen. ●   India has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and expanding non-fossil fuel energy capacity. ●   The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign encourages citizens to plant trees in honour of their mothers. ●   Forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water security, and climate regulation. ●   India’s environmental framework is guided by principles of environmental democracy, ensuring transparent environmental clearances and preventing ex-post facto approvals that compromise ecological integrity.