Key Highlights
- Forest and tree cover reached 8.27 lakh sq km.
- Ramsar wetlands increased from 26 to 99.
- Tiger population rose to 3,682.
- Mangrove cover expanded by 363 sq km.
- Solid waste processing crossed 77%.
- More than 262 crore saplings planted under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
- Non-fossil energy capacity crossed 52%.
- India achieved major climate goals ahead of schedule.
New Delhi, June 08: India has undertaken one of its most comprehensive environmental transformations over the past twelve years, combining ecological restoration, climate action, biodiversity conservation, waste management reforms, and global sustainability leadership. The transformation has been guided by the principles of Vishwaas (trust), Nirman (development), and Jan Kalyaan (public welfare).
According to the report, India’s environmental journey has been built around three key pillars:
- Increasing ecological capability and biodiversity
- Expanding national capacity for sustainable transformation
- Strengthening credibility through global leadership and diplomacy
Forest Cover Expands to Over 8.27 Lakh Sq Km
India has significantly strengthened its green cover through initiatives such as the Green India Mission, CAMPA, Nagar Van Yojana, and the Aravalli Green Wall Initiative.
Key achievements include:
- Forest and tree cover increased to 8.27 lakh sq km
- Forest cover accounts for 21.76% of India’s geographical area
- Tree cover contributes 3.41%
- India’s forests now store 30.43 billion tonnes of carbon stock
The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign emerged as one of the world’s largest environmental movements, with 262.4 crore saplings planted by December 2025.
Namami Gange Delivers Major River Restoration Gains
The flagship Namami Gange Programme has become one of the world’s largest river rejuvenation initiatives.
Major achievements include:
- 524 projects sanctioned worth ₹43,030 crore
- 355 projects completed
- 218 sewerage infrastructure projects undertaken
- Industrial BOD load reduced from 26 TPD to 10.75 TPD
- 33,024 hectares afforested across the Ganga basin
- Gangetic dolphin population estimated at 6,327 across surveyed rivers
Ramsar Sites Rise from 26 to 99
India’s wetland conservation efforts have accelerated dramatically.
Highlights include:
- Ramsar sites increased from 26 in 2014 to 99 by April 2026
- Wetland conservation expanded under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)
- Government funding exceeded ₹1,088 crore for wetland restoration programmes
Mangrove and Coastal Conservation Strengthened
Under the MISHTI initiative, India’s mangrove cover expanded from 4,628 sq km in 2013 to 4,992 sq km in 2023, improving coastal resilience.
Other coastal achievements include:
- National Coastal Mission extended till 2031
- Blue Flag-certified beaches increased from 8 in 2020 to 18 in 2025-26
- Marine turtle conservation programmes recorded a 96.7% hatching success rate for released hatchlings
Wildlife Conservation Registers Record Success
India has recorded significant gains in wildlife conservation through flagship programmes.
Tiger Conservation
- Tiger reserves increased from 46 to 58
- Tiger population rose from 2,226 in 2014 to 3,682 in 2022
- India now hosts over 70% of the world’s wild tigers
Project Cheetah
- 29 cheetahs introduced from Namibia, South Africa and Botswana
- India’s cheetah population has reached 53
Asiatic Lions
- Lion population increased from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025
- Distribution range expanded by 59%
Elephants and Rhinos
- India supports nearly 60% of the global wild Asian elephant population
- Elephant reserves increased from 26 to 33
- One-horned rhinoceros population crossed 4,000 animals
Waste Management and Circular Economy Revolution
India has transformed urban waste management systems.
Key achievements include:
- Solid waste processing increased from 17% in 2014 to over 77% in 2024
- 1,138 dumpsites remediated across 1,048 cities
- 877 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste cleared
- 7,646 acres of land reclaimed
Under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
- 4,574 registered recyclers are operating nationwide
- 417.57 lakh metric tonnes of waste processed
- Plastic, battery, tyre and e-waste recycling ecosystems significantly expanded
Green Skills and Environmental Education Expanded
Environmental awareness programmes have reached millions of students.
Achievements include:
- More than 1 lakh eco-clubs established
- Around 1.34 crore students participated in environmental education initiatives
- Over 4 lakh students contributed ideas through innovation hackathons
Climate Targets Achieved Ahead of Schedule
India has emerged as one of the few major economies to exceed key climate commitments.
Achievements include:
- Emissions intensity reduced by over 36% from 2005 levels
- 40% non-fossil electricity capacity target achieved nine years ahead of schedule
- Non-fossil sources account for 52.57% of installed power capacity
- Additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent created
India Emerges as Global Sustainability Leader
India has strengthened its international standing through several landmark initiatives:
- International Solar Alliance
- One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
- Mission LiFE
- International Big Cat Alliance
- G20 Green Development Pact
- Hosting UN environmental summits and conventions
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