Sansad TV

Perspective: India's Green Transformation | 04 June, 2026

Sansad Tv

Can a rapidly growing economy also become a global model for sustainability? Well, India is attempting exactly that. Over the past decade, the country has expanded green cover, rejuvenated ecosystems, strengthened wildlife conservation, scaled up waste processing, and achieved key climate targets ahead of schedule. At the same time, India has emerged as a major voice in global conversations on climate action and sustainable development. A new government report presents this journey as India’s Green Transformation – a transformation built on three pillars: strengthening ecological resilience, expanding national capacity for sustainable development, and enhancing India’s leadership in global environmental governance. And the numbers are significant. Forest and tree cover now stands at over 8.27 lakh square kilometres, accounting for more than 25 percent of India’s geographical area. Mangrove cover has expanded to nearly 5,000 square kilometres, strengthening coastal resilience and protecting vulnerable shorelines. Under the Namami Gange programme, more than 500 projects have been sanctioned, helping reduce pollution levels and improve the health of river ecosystems. India’s tiger population has risen to 3,682, Asiatic lions to 891, and rhino numbers have crossed 4,000 — making the country one of the world’s most notable conservation success stories. Solid waste processing has increased from just 17 percent in 2014 to more than 77 percent today, reflecting a significant shift towards a circular economy. And on climate action, India has achieved key emissions-intensity and non-fossil energy targets years ahead of schedule. Beyond these domestic achievements, India has also strengthened its global environmental leadership through initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, One Sun One World One Grid, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. But how transformative are these gains? How are they translating into tangible environmental, economic and social benefits on the ground? And what lessons can India’s experience offer to the world as countries seek to balance growth with sustainability?

Guests:- 1. P.K. Joshi, Professor, School of Environmental Sciences, JNU