New Delhi [India], February 10: India has successfully restored 22,561 hectares of degraded mangroves across 13 states and Union Territories under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), as part of its efforts to bolster coastal ecosystems and enhance climate resilience. The government provided this update in a written response to the Lok Sabha on February 10, 2025.
MISHTI: A Key Step in Climate Resilience
Launched on June 5, 2024, the MISHTI initiative focuses on restoring mangrove habitats, which play a critical role as natural barriers against coastal erosion and climate change impacts. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed that Rs 17.96 Crore has been allocated for the restoration of 3,836 hectares across six states and UTs. The initiative is a crucial part of India’s broader strategy to improve its coastal ecosystems and fight the adverse effects of climate change.
Progress on Other Environmental Schemes
In addition to MISHTI, the government highlighted progress on several other major environmental initiatives:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aimed at reducing particulate matter by 40% by 2025-26, the program continues to drive efforts towards cleaner air in urban and rural areas.
- Mission LiFE: This campaign promotes sustainable lifestyles, encouraging citizens to adopt environmentally-friendly habits.
- ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (#Plant4Mother): This initiative has successfully planted 109 crore saplings as of January 2025, with a target of 140 crore saplings by March 2025.
India’s Growing Environmental Commitment
India’s commitment to preserving its natural ecosystems is also evident in the growth of its Ramsar-designated wetlands. With 89 Ramsar sites, India now boasts the largest network of wetlands in Asia, recognized for their importance in maintaining biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.
India’s forest and tree cover has increased to 25.17% of its total geographical area, further strengthening the country’s climate action and commitment to sustainable land use.
Achievements in Climate Action
India’s climate action efforts are guided by its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, with a long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) continues to play a pivotal role in driving efforts across key sectors such as solar energy, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation.
Decoupling Economic Growth from Emissions
India has made significant progress in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emission intensity of GDP by 36%. Moreover, by October 2024, 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity came from non-fossil sources, with the total installed renewable energy capacity (including large hydropower) reaching 203.22 GW — a 4.5-fold increase since 2014.
Carbon Sink Creation
From 2005 to 2021, India has created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, contributing significantly to its goal of carbon neutrality.
Conclusion
India’s ongoing efforts to restore mangrove ecosystems, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience are integral to its broader environmental strategy. With continuous progress on both green initiatives and climate action, India is demonstrating its commitment to balancing development with environmental sustainability, while actively working towards meeting its climate commitments on the global stage.