The Finance Ministry has announced a budget of ₹3,759.46 crore for the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the year 2026. This is an 8% increase from last year’s allocation of ₹3,481.61 crore.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed these figures in Parliament on February 1. Notably, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) received ₹123 crore, which is a 5.9% rise from ₹116.2 crore the previous year.
However, funding for the Control of Pollution program has dropped by 16%, down to ₹1,091 crore from ₹1,300 crore last year. This program supports Pollution Control Boards and funds the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Central sector schemes got ₹1,307 crore, a decrease from ₹1,451.52 crore last year. On a positive note, funding for the National Mission for Green India increased significantly from ₹95.7 crore to ₹212.5 crore. The Project Tiger and Elephant initiative also saw a boost, with an allocation of ₹290 crore compared to ₹153.04 crore last year.
Budget allocations have shown a steady increase over the past few years, reflecting a growing governmental focus on environmental issues:
– FY27: ₹3,759.46 crore
– FY26: ₹3,481.61 crore
– FY25: ₹3,330.37 crore
– FY24: ₹3,079.40 crore
– FY23: ₹3,030 crore
Despite these numbers, experts emphasize that more needs to be done. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, over 7 million people die each year from air pollution. India ranks among the countries with the highest air pollution levels, making initiatives like the NCAP crucial.
Public response is mixed. Some citizens applaud the budget increase but worry it may not be enough to tackle the severe pollution problem facing the country. Social media discussions often highlight the disconnect between budget numbers and real-world impacts.
In summary, while the latest budget shows growth in funding for environmental initiatives, experts argue for more decisive actions to address urgent issues, including air quality and wildlife preservation.
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