The Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) met to discuss Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC) and strategies for its prevention, mitigation, and long-term coexistence. The meeting highlighted varying conflict patterns across landscapes and the need for location-specific management. Key initiatives discussed include the establishment of the Centre of Excellence on Human–Wildlife Conflict (CoE-HWC) at SACON, WII South Centre, Coimbatore, and the launch of the National Human–Wildlife Conflict Portal. States presented their conflict scenarios and mitigation measures, emphasizing integrated approaches combining ecological conservation with protection of human lives and livelihoods, use of modern technologies, and community participation. The importance of scientific studies on habitat carrying capacity and strengthening national and state-level efforts was also stressed.
The Green Credit Programme (GCP), notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, is an innovative mechanism to incentivize environmentally positive actions and promote Mission LiFE. Administered by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, it aims to increase green cover, enhance carbon sequestration, restore degraded lands, and reduce carbon footprint through public and private sector participation. Green Credits are issued after a minimum of five years of restoration work and achieving a 40% canopy density, benefiting biodiversity, forest productivity, and local communities.
The article outlines India's comprehensive approach to forest conservation and sustainable management, emphasizing community involvement through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs), and the empowerment of Gram Sabhas under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. It details various government schemes like the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Nagar Van Yojana, and Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI). The National Action Plan on Forest Fires, 2018, and the 'Forest Fire Prevention and Management' scheme are also highlighted. The article mentions the statutory appraisal processes for mining in forest areas under acts like the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It concludes with data from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, showing an increase in forest and tree cover, and the network of Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, and Elephant Reserves.
The article details India's significant progress in wind energy, reaching an installed capacity of 57,443 MW by June 30, 2026, and ranking 4th globally in wind energy installation as of December 31, 2025. It highlights various government initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy, including wind power, such as the Green Energy Corridor Scheme, waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges, 100% FDI under the automatic route, Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) trajectories, Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for offshore wind projects, and several new Electricity Rules and policies like the National Repowering and Life Extension Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2023, and the Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules, 2023. The article also provides state-wise installed capacity and power generation data, with Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka leading.
The article details the extensive environmental conservation efforts undertaken by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across India. Over the last five years (2020-2025), CAPFs have planted more than 6.68 crore saplings, developed 3212 nurseries, and dedicated 1995 gardens/vatikas in the name of martyrs. The report provides state-wise tree plantation data and force-wise details of nurseries and vatikas, highlighting the significant contribution of forces like BSF, CRPF, Assam Rifles, and others in greening initiatives. This information was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs in a Rajya Sabha reply.
The article discusses the government's response to earthquake risk in the Kangra–Chamba–Dharamshala region of Himachal Pradesh, which lies in Seismic Zone V. It highlights continuous monitoring by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through the National Seismological Network. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) promotes preparedness through drills, training, and disaster management plans. The government also issues advisories for earthquake-resistant construction via the National Building Code (NBC) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) codes, with implementation being the responsibility of State Governments and Urban Local Bodies. Financial and technical assistance is provided to states for disaster resilience.
The article details Mission Mausam, launched by the Prime Minister on January 14, 2025 (as stated in the article), with the aim of making India a 'Weather-ready and Climate-smart' nation. The mission focuses on strengthening Earth System observations, enhancing weather and climate forecasting, and providing seamless early warning services. It highlights the role of IMD and MoES in modernizing meteorological services, implementing Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, and collaborating with state governments (e.g., Uttar Pradesh) for localized relevance and last-mile connectivity. The article also lists the network of IMD's Regional Meteorological Centres (RMCs) and Meteorological Centres (MCs) across the country, along with the technologies used like Automated Weather Stations (AWS), Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG), and Doppler Weather Radars.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Nalanda University (NU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on science-led sustainable development, technology deployment, rural transformation, skill enhancement, and scientific outreach. The partnership aims to leverage CSIR's indigenous technologies and Nalanda University's international academic ecosystem to create community-centric development models. Key focus areas include model village development, solid waste management, water quality improvement, and environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on scientific social responsibility and interdisciplinary approaches for societal benefit.
The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, initially scheduled for June 1, 2026, in New Delhi, has been postponed. This decision was made by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in consultation with the African Union, as the summit was planned to coincide with the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), which has also been rescheduled. The postponement aims to ensure broad participation from all big cat range countries, especially African nations, which are crucial partners in global conservation efforts. India remains committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
