The environment report card of the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the last decade shows a strange mix of ambition and neglect. On the one hand, initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) have given shape to about 40 projects that help tackle climate change.
Apart from this, India’s leadership in launching the International Solar Alliance as well as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure reflects international intention. Currently, 44 percent of the total electricity requirement is achieved by the use of clean fuel. Taking it to 50 percent by 2030 and achieving the target of net-zero emissions by 2070, these are very bold and encouraging commitments on the front of climate action.
Yet, amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, to fast-track strategic projects have angered environmentalists. According to The State of Forests report, there has been a marginal increase of 1,540 sq km in forest area.
It has increased from 21.67 percent of the total area in 2019 to 21.71 percent in 2021. But during this period, 1,582 square kilometers of medium dense forests have also been lost. The situation is a little optimistic in the case of wildlife. The 2023 tiger census shows a success story: that is, 3,682 tigers, which is 715 more than in 2018. After an absence of 70 years, leopards are slowly regaining their foothold. But as the number of wildlife is increasing, their habitat is shrinking. This contradiction needs to be paid attention to.
The story of urban India seems to be written in dust and smoke. Indian cities are among the most polluted in the world. Single-use plastic, growing e-waste, and mountains of landfills. These persistent problems paint a grim picture. The BJP’s 2024 manifesto promises to tackle more than 15 environmental issues, including clean air, scientific disposal of all kinds of waste and rejuvenation of rivers. But implementing promises requires more than just planting them, like planting a tree. Deep commitment is needed in addition to providing nutrition.
What needs to be done
Tackling pollution
Indian cities are choking with air pollution, polluted water and pollution from solid waste. Not just metros, but tier 2 and 3 cities are also reporting dangerous levels of AQI. A time-bound, comprehensive plan is needed to address the root cause
Amendments to the laws
Key laws such as the Biodiversity Act, the Wildlife Protection Act and the Forest Conservation Act were amended, which many experts saw as diluting the protections guaranteed. India’s wildlife and forestry benefits are due to these laws. Any changes should be based on feedback from all stakeholders. Forests, environment and wildlife should not be seen as obstacles to development
Maintenance of parks
No interference of any kind should be allowed in protected areas (sanctuaries and national parks). The tendency to de-notify parts of these is an attack on heritage.
a fine balance
Human-animal conflict is on the rise. A comprehensive approach is needed to address this issue through out-of-the-box thinking based on international experiences
An eye on emissions
India has achieved the national emission control target set during the Paris climate talks in 2015. But it needs to keep an eye on the ultimate goal and that is to achieve the target of net-zero emissions by 2070
Assessment of Ujjwala
An analysis of the Ujjwala Yojana—which provides LPG connections to BPL households—is needed to see if it has reduced the use of wood as fuel in villages adjacent to forests. If not, such communities could be provided with more non-wood fuels
“The government should immediately re-evaluate and remove diluted laws and policies related to wildlife, forests and the environment.”
Bhupendra Yadav, 54, BJP, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Dealing with the law: Born in Ajmer, Bhupendra Yadav has studied law. After joining student politics, he worked with the RSS before joining the BJP. Before joining politics, he was a lawyer in the Supreme Court.
Coordination of Elections: Yadav was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2012 and has often been part of the BJP’s central team of coordinators. He was appointed observer for choosing a CM in Odisha, a state the BJP won for the first time recently. He has been heading the environment ministry since 2021
Bringing the Cheetahs: During his tenure as Environment Minister, a program was started to bring cheetahs into Indian forests in 2022. Conservation efforts during his tenure have led to an increase in the number of tigers and snow leopards.
Big Cat Alliance: The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India in February 2024. Its aim is to conserve the big cats of the world, which will be given a one-time budgetary support of Rs 150 crore from 2023-24 to 2027-28
Author: Yadav is the author of two books: Rise of the BJP and Supreme Court on Forest Conservation
Kirti Vardhan Singh58 years, Minister of State
Party: BJP Five-time MP from Gonda, Uttar Pradesh; also Minister of State for External Affairs