Environmental Policy in India: Developments After 2006 (Part II)

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Environmental Policy in India: Developments After 2006 (Part II)

 Author: Chandan Sha


Introduction

After the release of the National Environment Policy (NEP), 2006, India entered a new phase of environmental governance. With global climate concerns growing and domestic ecological challenges intensifying, India adopted new laws, policies, missions, and international commitments. In this second part, we focus on key environmental developments in India post-2006, including climate change policies, green energy initiatives, and institutional reforms.

International Commitments and Climate Action

India’s post-2006 environmental policy has been heavily influenced by global agreements. As a developing country, India committed to global environmental goals while balancing economic growth.

🔹 Paris Agreement (2015)

India became a signatory to the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
India’s commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions – NDCs):

  • Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
  • Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ through forests.
  • Use non-fossil fuel-based energy for 40% of its power needs.

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), 2008

One of the major outcomes post-NEP 2006 was the launch of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in 2008. It consists of eight core missions to tackle climate challenges:

  1. National Solar Mission – Promote solar power.
  2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency – Encourage efficient energy use.
  3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat – Focus on green buildings and urban waste management.
  4. National Water Mission – Improve water use efficiency.
  5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem – Protect fragile mountain ecology.
  6. National Mission for a Green India – Expand forest cover and ecosystem services.
  7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture – Promote climate-resilient farming.
  8. National Knowledge Mission on Climate Change – Promote scientific research and education.

 State-Level Climate Action Plans (SAPCCs)

Following the NAPCC, Indian states were directed to prepare their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs). These plans adapt national missions to suit regional needs and focus on local vulnerabilities.

Example:

  • Odisha SAPCC focuses on flood and cyclone resilience.
  • Rajasthan SAPCC targets water scarcity and desertification.

Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks

🔸 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006

Though introduced in 2006, EIA regulations have seen several amendments post-2006 to streamline project approvals, protect eco-sensitive zones, and involve public participation.

🔸 National Green Tribunal (NGT) – 2010

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 established the NGT for quick resolution of environment-related cases.

Why NGT is Important:

  • Offers specialized legal remedies.
  • Handles civil cases under environmental laws like the Environment (Protection) Act, Forest Act, and more.
  • Promotes principles like polluter pays and precautionary principle.

 Renewable Energy Push

Post-2006, India has rapidly moved towards clean energy sources, especially solar and wind power.

🔹 Key Milestones:

  • 2010: National Solar Mission launched.
  • 2015: International Solar Alliance (ISA) initiated by India and France.
  • 2021: India’s solar power capacity crosses 40 GW.
  • Goal for 2030: 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy.

 Environment Protection Initiatives

🔸 Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016

This law ensures that forest land used for non-forest purposes is compensated by planting new trees elsewhere, using a dedicated fund.

🔸 Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended in 2021)

  • Bans single-use plastics.
  • Encourages recycling and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
  • Promotes biodegradable alternatives.

🔸 Bio-Diversity Management Committees (BMCs)

Local-level bodies under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (strengthened post-2006) aim to preserve community knowledge and manage local ecosystems.

 Other Green Missions & Campaigns

  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (2014): Focuses on sanitation and waste management.
  • Ujjwala Yojana (2016): Promotes clean cooking fuel in rural areas.
  • Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme: Encourages EV use.
  • PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers.

Achievements So Far

  • India ranked among the top 5 countries for renewable power capacity.
  • Forest and tree cover increased by 1,540 sq. km between 2019–2021 (per FSI report).
  • NGT disposed of over 25,000 environmental cases since 2010.
  • Ban on several single-use plastic items as of July 2022.

 Challenges That Remain

Despite progress, India still faces major environmental issues:

  • Urban air pollution in cities like Delhi.
  • Groundwater depletion and mismanagement.
  • Climate-induced disasters (floods, heatwaves, etc.).
  • Industrial waste and e-waste management.
  • Forest clearance for mining and infrastructure projects.

The Way Forward

  • Revise outdated EIA norms to ensure strong public participation.
  • Empower local bodies and gram sabhas to manage resources.
  • Enhance environmental education at all levels.
  • Strengthen enforcement of existing laws through transparency and tech.
  • Invest in green technology and innovation.
  • Incentivize sustainable business practices with tax or credit benefits.

 Conclusion

India’s journey in environmental policymaking has seen remarkable growth since 2006. While challenges remain, recent efforts in climate action, renewable energy, waste management, and green governance show a strong national commitment. The real success of these policies will depend on timely implementation, public participation, and strong political will to preserve the environment for future generations.


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