The Finance Ministry has announced a budget of ₹3,759.46 crore for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for the fiscal year 2026. This is an increase of 8% from ₹3,481.61 crore allocated in 2025.
During the budget presentation on February 1, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted key allocations aimed at tackling environmental issues. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) received ₹123 crore, a modest rise of 5.9% from last year’s ₹116.2 crore.
However, funding for the Control of Pollution program saw a cut, with an allocation of ₹1,091 crore, down 16% from the previous year’s ₹1,300 crore. This program supports Pollution Control Boards and funds initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme.
Other allocations include ₹1,307 crore for Central sector schemes, a decrease from last year’s ₹1,451.52 crore. Conversely, the budget for the National Mission for a Green India increased significantly to ₹212.5 crore from ₹95.7 crore in the revised allocation of the previous year.
For wildlife protection, the Project Tiger and Elephant received ₹290 crore, which is a notable increase from the ₹153.04 crore allocated last year.
Looking back at the trend, the environment ministry’s budget has been gradually increasing. In FY25, the allocation was ₹3,330.37 crore, up from ₹3,079.40 crore in FY24, and ₹3,030 crore in FY23. This consistent growth underscores a growing recognition of environmental issues.
Experts highlight that while funding is essential, the effectiveness of these programs hinges on execution. Dr. Anjali Singh, an environmental policy expert, notes, “Increased budgets are promising, but real change happens when funds are used effectively.”
Social media has reacted positively to these allocations, with many users expressing hope that the increased funding will lead to tangible environmental benefits.
In summary, while there are notable increases in some areas, other crucial programs face reductions. The challenge ahead will be to ensure that every rupee invested translates into real progress for India’s environment.
For further insights into the budget’s impact, you can read more from the Economic Times and The Hindu.
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