NEW DELHI, Mar 10: India is making important progress in climate protection, according to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. He emphasizes a “whole-of-government” approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has led to a notable increase in wildlife reserves and protected areas. Since 2014, the number of protected areas has risen from 757 to 1,134, expanding the total area from 168,838.37 sq km to 187,162.91 sq km.
In his speech in the Rajya Sabha, Yadav highlighted that environmental clearances for projects have become much faster, now granted within 90 days instead of the previous three-year wait.
Conservation efforts have also seen impressive results. Tiger reserves grew from 47 to 58, and elephant reserves increased from 26 to 33. Notably, India’s Asiatic lion population jumped from 523 to 891. Around 70% of the world’s wild tigers now call India home, showcasing the country’s vital role in tiger conservation.
The country’s tree cover expanded from 92,572 sq km to 112,014 sq km, contributing to global carbon sinks. Yadav attributes part of this success to the digitization of the environmental clearance process through the PARIVESH portal, launched in 2018. Before this, obtaining environmental approvals was lengthy and complicated, often taking up to 600 days.
Now, with PARIVESH 2.0, project proponents can track their applications in real time. The portal handles clearances for environmental, forest, wildlife, and coastal regulations, making it easier for businesses to comply with necessary laws.
Yadav also mentioned new regulations focused on construction waste, electronic waste, and reducing single-use plastics to tackle pollution.
In a recent court ruling, the Supreme Court addressed illegal mining in the Aravalli hills, a topic Yadav linked to the previous Congress government’s policies. He affirmed that the current government does not support illegal activities and is committed to creating a High Powered Committee to address these issues.
However, concerns remain over deforestation and air pollution. Congress member Neeraj Dangi voiced the experiences of communities affected by climate change and ecological destruction. He expressed deep worries about the future as infrastructure projects threaten the environment. The debate highlighted not just policy achievements but also ongoing challenges facing India’s ecosystems.
In conclusion, while India is making strides in environmental conservation, challenges like climate change, pollution, and illegal mining continue to provoke strong reactions. Ongoing efforts and community concerns will play key roles in shaping the nation’s environmental policies.
