New Delhi, February 2, 2026: The Union Budget for 2026-2027 is being hailed as “youth-centric” by Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. He believes it supports a developed India by balancing economic growth with environmental care.
This budget was officially presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Yadav emphasized that it aims for ecological growth within a fast-growing economy, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. He described it as a people’s budget that reflects the hopes of all citizens for a secure and prosperous future.
The budget includes significant measures for environmental protection and biodiversity. Key initiatives like the International Big Cat Alliance and India’s first Global Big Cat Summit are part of this push. Additionally, it promotes nature-based tourism, featuring ‘Turtle Trails’ in coastal states like Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, and new bird-watching trails around Pulicat Lake. These efforts aim to raise awareness about nature conservation while fostering pride in local biodiversity.
Plans for sustainable mining of rare earth elements in states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu are also included. This could lessen India’s reliance on imports. Furthermore, a six-year mission to develop climate-resilient seeds for pulses aims to boost agricultural sustainability.
To enhance fisheries, the budget proposes the development of 500 reservoirs. An Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore is planned for urban projects featuring sustainable infrastructure. In support of decarbonization, ₹20,000 crore is allocated over five years for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, demonstrating India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as per the Paris Agreement.
Yadav noted the expansion of the National Manufacturing Mission, focusing on creating a domestic ecosystem for electric vehicle batteries. This is a significant step toward green mobility, alongside advancements in solar power and wind energy. The plan also includes making 20 new national waterways operational over the next five years, aimed at reducing logistics’ carbon footprint.
Overall, these initiatives show India’s commitment to sustainable development—ensuring that growth and environmental care go hand in hand.
This budget reflects a growing trend of aligning economic strategies with ecological responsibility, a crucial step for future generations. By focusing on sustainable practices, India is carving a path toward a harmonious balance between nature and progress.
For more context, you can explore the recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which highlights the urgent need for countries to balance development with ecological sustainability.
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Union budget 2026-27, Nirmala sitharaman, Narendra modi, Viksit bharat, Youth-centric budget, Economic growth
