New Delhi, Mar 10 (PTI) – India is making noticeable progress in protecting its environment, according to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. He highlighted that since 2014, the number of protected areas in India has jumped from 757 to 1,134. This increase includes full wildlife reserves and nature conservation areas, extending the total protected land from about 169,000 sq km to nearly 187,000 sq km.
Yadav pointed out the growth in specific wildlife reserves too. The number of tiger reserves grew from 47 in 2014 to 58 now, while elephant reserves increased from 26 to 33. The population of Asiatic lions has also risen significantly from 523 to 891. He mentioned that a remarkable 70% of the world’s wild tigers are now found in India.
In addition to wildlife, India has boosted its tree cover from 92,572 sq km to about 112,014 sq km, helping the nation meet its climate goals. The government has improved environmental governance through digital platforms like the PARIVESH portal. This change has cut the average wait time for environmental clearances from around 600 days to less than 90 days.
Yadav noted that the government is taking steps to address pollution. New regulations target construction waste, electronic waste, fly ash disposal, and single-use plastics.
On the other hand, concerns were raised during the Rajya Sabha discussions. Congress member Neeraj Dangi emphasized the negative effects of air pollution and deforestation on people’s lives. He lamented about illegal mining damaging the Aravalli mountain range and linked rising deaths to poor air quality. Dangi also criticized proposed infrastructure projects in Greater Nicobar for potentially threatening ecosystems and local communities.
Interestingly, recent surveys indicate that air pollution is a growing concern among urban populations, with 85% of people in major cities reporting health issues linked to poor air quality. Experts in public health have called for urgent measures to address this crisis.
In a notable moment during the debate, Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan allowed Dangi to speak after the discussion had officially ended, highlighting the importance of democratic dialogue. However, many opposition members chose to walk out rather than engage further.
As India takes steps forward in environmental conservation, the conversation around balancing growth and sustainability continues to evolve. The path ahead will require careful planning to ensure that wildlife protection and development can coexist without compromising the future.
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