At the recent RESTORE 2025 event in New Delhi, NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam introduced an exciting plan called “Restore 50” or “Restore 100.” This initiative, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India, aims to rejuvenate degraded land through community efforts and advanced technology.
The goal is to focus on 50 or 100 specific areas where local communities can actively restore their land. Subrahmanyam emphasized that this effort isn’t just about the environment; it’s also crucial for India’s economy. He noted that land degradation costs India 2–3% of its GDP each year, which translates to significant productivity losses across millions of hectares. By reviving these areas, we could potentially add 2–3 percentage points to economic growth.
This ambitious plan could unlock an estimated $80 billion, helping India inch closer to its goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy—all while promoting a greener future.
The “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision outlines India’s path to self-reliance and prosperity by its centenary of independence. It promotes inclusive growth, technological advancements, and sustainable practices aimed at eradicating poverty, ensuring universal education and healthcare, and supporting small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The Restore 50/100 plan draws inspiration from successful projects like those in Madhya Pradesh, where local governments and NGOs have seen real impacts. For instance, Pune’s biomass-to-green hydrogen initiative converts waste from restoration into clean energy, generating income for the community.
A study by WRI India, analyzing 355 research papers, demonstrates that community-led efforts in agroforestry and natural regeneration are particularly effective for both carbon capture and resilience against climate change.
Beyond just boosting the economy, the Restore 50/100 initiative supports India’s climate goals. Degraded lands can act as carbon sinks, aiding in the push for net-zero emissions by 2070. Subrahmanyam highlighted the dual role of land and water as vital carbon sinks, suggesting that improvement in these areas can support both climate goals and development.
Dr. Ruchika Singh of WRI India described this effort as fostering a “new restoration economy,” merging ecological efforts with sustainable livelihoods. As India strives to become a developed nation, the Restore 50/100 initiative, which kicked off at RESTORE 2025, aims to transform wastelands into valuable resources for the country.
For more insights on land restoration and its impact, you can check resources from WRI India here.
