An examination of the Central Government’s environmental measures is necessary as India overtakes China as the world’s most populous nation, with Delhi serving as the political capital of the biggest political party at a time when global climate change is occurring at an accelerated rate.
Climate change was not a serious concern just ten years ago. It is currently a subject of popular discussion and worry due to its significant ramifications and effect on our daily lives. The Central government has introduced numerous programmes to combat climate change during the last nine years. These include the Green Hydrogen Mission, the Green Credit initiative, the Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan Scheme, MISHTI, Amrit Dharohar, and others.
The ‘In Our LiFEtime’ campaign, run by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, was introduced last year with the goal of inspiring young people between the ages of 18 and 23 to promote sustainable lifestyles. The campaign aims to honour young people from all around the world who participate in climate change efforts that are consistent with the idea of LiFE.
11 committees were established by NITI Aayog to create circular economy action plans for various waste categories. Lithium-ion batteries, E-waste, toxic and hazardous industrial waste, scrap metal (ferrous and non-ferrous), tyre and rubber, end-of-life vehicles, gypsum, used oil, solar panels and municipal solid waste are among the ten waste categories for which circular economy action plans have been finalised and are currently being implemented.
The ministry also started the Green Skill Development Programme to help people acquire green skills and to give young people jobs in the environmental and forestry industries.
The amended Nationally Determined Contribution was agreed by the Cabinet, according to a report the Central government submitted to the Delhi High Court, which is a step towards India’s long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. At the 27th Conference of Parties (COP-27) to the UNFCCC, the government also unveiled its long-term low carbon development strategy. The Indian government has also made a concerted effort to fulfil its pledge to do rid of single-use plastics that are not biodegradable and have negative environmental effects.