The substantial government aid supports afforestation, habitat improvement, and urban green spaces, signalling a significant commitment to environmental sustainability
In a notable boost for environmental conservation, the Indian government has allocated a substantial Rs 1,076.75 crores towards ecological restoration and wildlife habitat development over the past five years. This includes Rs 624.69 crores under the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) and Rs 452.06 crores for wildlife habitats.
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, revealed these figures in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The GIM funds, aimed at afforestation and forest landscape restoration, saw a peak allocation of Rs 156.46 crores in 2021-22, with Uttarakhand receiving the most significant share that year at Rs 33.99 crores. In contrast, Rs 106.01 crore was disbursed in 2019-20, the lowest amount in the past five years.
For the current financial year (2024-25), Rs 48.05 crores has been released under the GIM. The development of wildlife habitats, which saw its highest funding in 2019-20 at Rs 124.48 crores, continues to support crucial projects across states, with Uttarakhand again receiving the largest share of Rs 14.01 crores in that year.
Additionally, the Nagar Van Yojana, which aims to enhance urban green spaces, received Rs 338.64 crore from 2020-21 to 2024-25. Andhra Pradesh led with Rs 64.14 crores, while Madhya Pradesh followed with Rs 48.45 crores.
The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (Mishti) has been allocated Rs 12.55 crore, with Gujarat and West Bengal receiving the most significant shares.
According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the country’s total forest cover stands at 713,789 square kilometres, covering 21.71 percent of its geographical area. Lakshadweep boasts the highest forest cover percentage at 90.33 percent, followed by Mizoram at 84.53 percent.
These investments are crucial for afforestation, habitat improvement, soil and water conservation, and overall ecological restoration efforts. Additionally, the National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change (NAFCC), which funds climate adaptation projects, has sanctioned 30 projects across various states. NAFCC transitioned from a scheme to a non-scheme in 2022, as noted by the Minister of State.