New Delhi
The tree plantation campaign conducted across the country under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with the slogan ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ was a big gift of the year 2024 to the country from the Ministry. In view of the great utility of trees in environmental protection and carbon absorption, this campaign got full encouragement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the ministry, under this campaign, the achievement of planting 102 crore trees has been achieved so far in the country and its target has been set at 140 crore by March 2025.
Shri Modi inaugurated this campaign on World Environment Day on June 05 and called upon people to plant a tree as a symbol of love, respect and honor towards their mother. Under this campaign, a pledge is also taken to protect trees and mother earth.
The Ministry has notified Eco-Mark Rules in line with ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LIFE) on 26th September this year ending. It replaces the Eco-Mark scheme of 1991. The scheme will encourage demand for eco-friendly products in line with the principles of ‘LIFE’, promote low energy consumption, resource efficiency and circular economy. The scheme aims to ensure accurate labeling and prevent misleading information about products.
The country’s climate-friendly action is guided by its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term strategy to reach net zero by 2070 and spans across different sectors of the economy. Despite its modest contribution to global GHG emissions, India has shown its willingness to be at the forefront of the global fight against climate change. India accounts for about 17 percent of the global population but historically has contributed less than four percent to the total.
The emissions intensity of our GDP has declined by 33 percent between 2005 and 2019. Therefore, the emission intensity reduction target has been achieved well ahead of schedule. The total electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources till October 31 this year is 46.52 per cent of the total cumulative electric power installed capacity. The country has updated its NDC targets to achieve a 45 per cent reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 and 50 per cent of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources.
Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) has played an important and decisive role in decarbonizing the industrial and power sectors.
The Ministry’s India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) focuses on synergy with ongoing government programs and schemes to maximize socio-economic benefits. The Central Government has taken several steps to implement the recommendations given in ICAP. Against the 35 per cent phased reduction target of Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) during 2020-24 as per the Montreal Protocol Reduction Programme, India has achieved 50 per cent reduction in Hydro Chlorofluorocarbons in the consumption sector.
The use of HCFC in the manufacturing of new appliances like ACs and refrigerators will be phased out by the last day of this year.
‘Coastal Habitats and Tangible Income Mangrove Initiative (MISTHI)’ has been launched on 05 June this year to restore and promote mangroves as a unique, natural ecosystem and to conserve and enhance the sustainability of coastal habitats. An amount of Rs 100 crore has been allocated through Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) as initial project outlay for this scheme. About 22,561 hectares of degraded mangrove area in 13 States/UTs of the country has been brought under restoration and a total of Rs 17.96 crore has been released for restoration of 3,836 hectares in six States/UTs.
The country hosted the third Voice of the Global South summit on August 17 this year, with the main theme being ‘Empowering the Global South for a Sustainable Future’. India urged the countries of the Global South to unite, stand together in one voice and be each other’s strength. The Environment Ministers’ session was attended by 18 countries from the Global South and one Bank. India stressed the importance of encouraging sustainable consumption and production patterns, promoting sustainable lifestyles, reducing waste and promoting a culture of conservation and respect for natural resources. The deliberations highlighted climate justice and the demands of developing countries for climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.
Ganga river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was tagged for the first time in Assam this year. This initiative was implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak with funding from the National CAMPA Authority. This is the first tagging not only in India but also for this species, and this milestone is a significant progress of Project Dolphin under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
