India achieved sustained environmental transformation over the last 12 years

  India has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by the principles of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the last 12 years. 

During this period, India has achieved a sustained environmental transformation through deliberate policy action and consistent implementation. The country has expanded forest and tree cover, restored wetlands, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems, and advanced river rejuvenation through the Namami Gange Programme. To reduce pollution and restore the ecological health of the River Ganga and its tributaries, the Namami Gange Programme was launched in 2014. A total of 524 projects have been sanctioned, out of which 355 projects have been completed till February this year. 

    The Green India Mission launched in 2015 is a flagship initiative dedicated to forests and ecosystem restoration. India’s forest and tree cover stands at 8.27 lakh square kilometer, accounting for over 25 percent of the country’s geographical area. India has achieved a significant milestone in global forest statistics by advancing to the 9th position worldwide in terms of total forest area. In 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a campaign Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, which has emerged as one of the world’s largest public environmental movements. A total of over 262 crore saplings were planted till December last year. 

 

The Mission LiFE, launched in 2022 has strengthened India’s international standing by positioning it as a global leader in lifestyle-based climate action. India achieved its target of reducing emissions intensity by 33 to 35 percent from 2005 levels eleven years ahead of schedule. The International Solar Alliance launched in 2015 has significantly enhanced India’s international credibility by positioning it as a global agenda-setter in climate action and clean energy transition. As climate change, resource pressures, and environmental degradation intensify globally, India has adopted a balanced approach that combines conservation, sustainability, and development.