New Delhi is grappling with several pressing environmental issues as 2026 approaches. The Aravalli Mountains, air quality, and climate change are at the forefront of discussions, signaling the need for long-term strategies rather than quick fixes.
In 2025, air pollution became a major crisis, especially in urban areas like Delhi-NCR. Cities recorded alarmingly high levels of ozone and particulate matter, primarily due to transportation, industrial activities, dust, and wildfires. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) implemented stricter emergency measures, including mandatory school closures during pollution spikes and staggered office hours. Yet, public concern soared, leading to calls for urgent judicial intervention and expert reviews to revamp the air quality strategy. Experts and the public alike are pressing for policies that address transportation, industrial emissions, dust management, waste control, and wildfire mitigation as an integrated approach.
In response to ongoing pollution, the government has urged states to treat air quality as a year-round issue. Legal and policy decisions, like the redefined boundaries for the Aravalli region, stirred debate. The Supreme Court’s ruling limited protective measures to areas above 100 meters, raising alarms among conservationists worried about potential mining in vulnerable regions. Following public backlash, the decision faced a hold. The environment ministry reacted by banning new mining leases in the Aravalli range to protect its delicate ecosystems.
Globally, India is strengthening its conservation efforts. It joined the Brazil-led Tropical Forests Forever Facility at COP30, emphasizing equitable climate finance for developing nations. In 2025, India’s significant biodiversity milestone was the launch of the National Red List Assessment, aimed at cataloging the conservation status of its species. This initiative aligns with global biodiversity goals and was showcased at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.
India’s commitment to wildlife conservation was evident at COP30, where Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stressed the importance of protecting apex predators, like tigers and snow leopards. The country is also preparing to host a Global Big Cats Summit in 2026 to foster international partnerships in conservation.
Meanwhile, Project Tiger, India’s key tiger conservation initiative, continues to thrive. Efforts include relocating tigers to maintain healthy populations across reserves. Recently, a tigress was successfully moved from Pench Tiger Reserve to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan.
However, the increasing human-wildlife conflicts pose challenges. Reports from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve highlight fatal tiger attacks on forest workers, urging the need for better safety protocols and monitoring systems. There are growing calls for reforms in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, advocating for more decentralized decision-making to address species management and conflicts.
The urgency of these issues reflects a vital intersection of environmental protection and public health, making it clear: comprehensive action is essential for a sustainable future. As India navigates these complex challenges, the drive for lasting solutions will only grow stronger.
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