18-Dec-2022: 7th edition of India Water Impact Summit Concludes

The 7th edition of the India Water Impact Summit concluded on 17th December 2022 after 3 days of fruitful deliberations on important aspects of water conservation and river rejuvenation, with special emphasis on revival of small rivers for the protection of large basins. On the third and final day of the 7th India Water Impact Summit, experts from water, environment and administrative sectors unanimously consented to an urgent need of forming a National River Framework in the country, which would determine the parameters for monitoring river health, process and responsibility. All experts were unanimous that the direction of river health cannot be ascertained based on only biochemical parameters. Condition of aquatic life present in river can be an indicator of river health. In this process, the indigenous species of aquatic life must be included rather than the exotic species which have been developed in the river for commercial purposes.

• DG, NMCG presides over the valedictory session of the 7th Edition of India Water Impact Summit
• Consensus over need to form a National River Framework among all stakeholders
•  A strong need to establish a system for exchange of official information in water-related issues felt
• DG, NMCG emphasized on ground implementation of the findings

The valedictory session was presided over by Shri G. Asok Kumar, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). Prof. Vinod Tare, cGanga moderated the session. DG, NMCG re-emphasized to shift the focus to implementation and hoped that by next positive changes would be seen on ground. “The deliberations have enabled us to identify the areas we have to work upon. Now, it is time to implement and see results on ground.” He said that water in India has come of age and in the past 6-7 years, there has been better awareness on water related issues in the country. “Water is crucial for the existence of mankind and is finally getting the respect and value it deserves,” he said, adding, “We all can see that, now, a lot of focus is on water-related issues even at the district administration level which was not the case about a decade ago.”

He said that Namami Gange has taken the lead in water management, circular economy, resource recovery, ensuring rivers are not polluted, and take initiatives such as river-city alliance that are central to include protection of rivers at the urban planning level. He also noted that with NMCG’s initiative, water is now being looked at as a resource for increasing GDPs of local districts through tourism, healthcare, etc.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s India Water Impact Summit, Shri Kumar said that, rightly, a lot of discussions took place on revival of small rivers which is crucial to rejuvenate large basins. He also emphasized on the need to break silos and view water as one resource. “Water has no geographical boundaries and silofication of water needs to be broken down,” he added. He spoke about work being done in the direction of monetization of wastewater and sludge, natural farming, livelihood generation etc. under Arth Ganga to make Namami Gange a self-sustainable model.

Moderating the session, Prof. Tare noted that integration and coordination of sector-wise programmes is as important as the implementation of projects with sector specific knowledge and expertise. The deliberations highlighted that the bottom-up approach (community-driven small river basin committees) with large basin and national level coordination is immensely significant.

On the concluding day of the Summit, Session A3 was centred on the ‘Formulation and Execution of River Monitoring Programmes’. The objective of the session was to determine challenges in river restoration and conservation programmes. Session E2 was on the ‘Impact of Land use on Rejuvenation of Small Rivers’. The session highlighted how the health of the smallest stream has a ripple effect on the next order stream, and is responsible for bringing a rich variety of aquatic biodiversity. The deliberations showed the significance of drafting policies, interventions, and strategies to safeguard the small rivers from adverse effects of poor land-use planning and development. Session A4 was themed on the Information/Data Collation, Utilization and Dissemination Strategy, while Session C5 was on Physical / Hybrid Model.

The sessions also showed that large basin/national level knowledge based organisations should play the leadership role for gathering information about health status of all the rivers in a sustained manner. It was observed that reclamation of resources from wastes and its reuse in restoration and conservation of natural resources (river systems and soils) should be valued and appropriately accounted in economic sense for creating novel financing models/instruments. Moreover, river health needs to be used as an important criterion for evaluating the progress of RRC programmes as well as the status of rivers, instead of the designated Best Use Water Quality criteria. Deliberations were also done on removing the bottlenecks in river restoration. Three main points emerged from discussions today included change in land use, stopping exploitation of ground water, sand mining, and mixing of solid and liquid waste in rivers. In another session, data collection and exchange of information. A need to establish a system for exchange of official information in water-related issues was also strongly felt during the afternoon session.

Representatives of European Union, Norway, Germany and Slovenia participated in the discussion on the international track at the summit. The international participated unanimously agreed to the fact that river and basin management under geographical diversity makes India a natural laboratory of river science. International participants observed that the way work is going on in the direction of river restoration, one can say that India would emerge as world teacher of river science. International representatives stressed that a COP conference on water should also be started on international level. The theme of the 7th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS 2022) is ‘Restoration and Conservation of Small Rivers in a Large Basin’ with emphasis on the select aspects of ‘Mapping and Convergence of 5Ps’ - People, Policy, Plan, Programme and Project.

16-Dec-2022: India Water Impact Summit: Day 2 Witnesses Wide Ranging Discussions On Restoration of Rivers & Conservation of Water

Day 2 of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) being organised from 15th to 17th December at New Delhi witnessed wide ranging discussions today on various aspects of river conservation and restoration in particular and water sector in general. The Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Shri G. Asok Kumar presided over a session on ‘Lessons from Various River Related Programmes’. The session started with the invocation of the 5Ps which are essential towards river conservation and restoration efforts. Other panelists included Mr. D. Thara, Joint Secretary (AMRUT), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Dr. Sejal Worah, Program Director, WWF India, Prof. Vinod Tare, Founding Head cGanga, IIT Kanpur and Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Chief Advisor, Telangana. Other sessions on Day 2 included ‘Economics and Financing of Sludge’ co-chaired by Shri Himansu Badoni, Executive Director (Projects), NMCG and ‘Economics and Financing of Water Recycling and Water Trading Market’ co-chaired by Shri Bhaskar Dasgupta, Executive Director (Finance), NMCG. A session on ‘Establishing Present Condition and Norms for Bio-physical status of Healthy Rivers in Different Stretches from Origin to Destination, and setting the Milestones’ was also organised.

Discussions on the 2nd day also deliberated on the economic, social, cultural, aesthetic and ecological values of rivers including the intrinsic values that are not dependent on people’s will. Deliberations showed that for evaluation of the actual state and measuring the changes in the rivers and streams, the periodic assessment of their health is essential. The focus of this Summit is to pave the way for mapping, integrating and assessing different scenarios/aspects of river health. It was proposed in the Session that there should be a National Framework for River Systems (river, water bodies and catchment), so that all the relevant programmes and projects working towards river and water conservation can benefit from the informed decision-making.

Addressing the gathering, Shri G. Asok Kumar talked about the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign of the National Water Mission to emphasize on the significance of rainwater harvesting in rejuvenating the water bodies as the water stored in the flood banks help in restoring water and maintaining e-flow. He noted that water has no political and geographical boundary and emphasized the importance of river-people connect for the sustained development and economic growth of river rejuvenation sector. “People's participation is essential and there is a need to transform Jal Andolan into Jan Andolan,” he added.

Shri Kumar noted that there is an urgent need for the protection and rejuvenation of small rivers in India and acknowledged the important role being played through MGNREGA in reviving small rivers and creating water harvesting structures for sustenance. He said that a lot of good work is being done at district level in this direction and in the case of Namami Gange Programme, the active involvement of District Ganga Committees are manifesting in positive results in the Ganga Basin.

He noted that NMCG is working towards institutional building and urban river intervention plans. With the formation of the river-city alliance, river-centric planning is being given priority by the urban planners. He reiterated that evoking respect towards rivers, especially in the younger generation, will go a long way in protecting our water resources.

Mr. D. Thara, Joint Secretary (AMRUT) called for a need to understand the issue of water management from all perspectives and urged active involvement from various stakeholders in achieving success. Dr. Sejal Worah, Program Director, WWF India spoke on the importance of institutional mechanisms needed for rejuvenating small rivers. She noted that citizen engagement, creating a knowledge base that is open, transparent and shared, and deciding water tradeoffs are the crucial areas that needs to be looked into.

Prof. Vinod Tare focused on the significance of political will, public spending, partnership, participation of people, and perseverance to progress on this path and create impact towards effective water management. He noted that the Summit is bringing together individuals who are implementing major programs in the water sector. Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Chief Advisor, Telangana, noted that biodiversity in the rivers need to be looked into so as to improve the ecology of the water bodies.

15-Dec-2022: Union Minister for Jal Shakti Inaugurates The 7th Edition of India Water Impact Summit

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 15th December 2022 inaugurated the 7th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) at New Delhi. The theme of this year’s Summit is ‘Restoration and Conservation of Small Rivers in a Large Basin’ with emphasis on the select aspects of ‘Mapping and Convergence of 5Ps’ - People, Policy, Plan, Programme and Project. In the three-day Summit (15th to 17th December 2022) experts from the country and abroad will discuss ways in which small rivers in large river basins can be protected.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said deliberations on issues of water and rivers is equivalent to discussing the future of human beings and the crisis facing them. He said that the way the Namami Gange Mission has worked for the conservation of rivers in the last 7 years is commendable. “In accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister, Namami Gange has become a mass movement and people from all walks of life are contributing in their own way to the cause.”

He added that every river in India has been given the status of a Mother and India has a rich tradition of revering and respecting Mothers. He said that India’s sages and ancestors held traditional wisdom and awakened the spirit of water conservation among the people through scriptures. Shri Shekhawat added that the Hon. Prime Minister espoused the concept of Arth Ganga that primarily means establishing people-river connect through the bridge of economy. Expressing his happiness on the work being done under Namami Gange in a time-bound manner under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, he said that the infrastructure is being created towards the rejuvenation of River Ganga and its tributaries and the positive results are being nationally as well as globally recognized.

Shri Shekhawat express his happiness on the fact that experts from the country and abroad are participating in this India Water Impact Summit. “The India Water Impact Summit strengthens India's international cooperation in the water sector and the suggestions received in the Summit would be beneficial in informed decision-making,” he said.

Commenting on the theme of the 7th Edition of the IWIS, Shri Shekhawat said that small rivers and rivulets have been an integral part of India’s tradition and culture and it is most opportune that necessary deliberations will take place on how to revive small rivers through 5Ps’ - People, Policy, Plan, Programme and Project – to rejuvenate large basins like River Ganga.

Shri Pankaj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti began his address by outlining the focus of the Summit, which is to restore and observe small rivers in the large basins and emphasizing on important aspects of small river systems. He noted how small rivers tend to be neglected due to the focus on conserving and restoring large rivers. He reflected on the hard work being done by NMCG in expediting the work towards Ganga Rejuvenation, which can be seen in the completion of projects in a time-bound manner significantly improving the water quality. He said that the focus now is on the entire ecosystem of rivers in India. He noted that the Summit would deliberate upon the important aspects of small river restoration projects. He called upon the need for different institutions, government bodies and private individuals to work together towards river rejuvenation. Giving the example of Hindon river and pointing out multiple dependencies in carrying out the task of reviving small rivers, he said that a plan has been prepared to rejuvenate Hindon by making industries and other stakeholders key partners. He hoped that the deliberations would come up with recommendations to help forming a framework for restoring small rivers in the country. He hoped this could serve as a tool kit for states, district administrations, and various ministries, which can help restore the country's whole ecosystem.

Prof. Vinod Tare, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kanpur, said that Ganga is not just a river but one of the country's most sacred rivers. That is why the conservation and promotion of Ganga is the most important task. In such a situation, it becomes necessary that its tributaries and small rivers should be rejuvenated. He noted that it is impossible to achieve the Ganga conservation goal without rejuvenating small rivers. He suggested the projects being run by different organizations and institutions should work in collaboration to accelerate the rejuvenation of small rivers in the big basin. He emphasized the need to create our own conservation benchmarks to evaluate external technology and ensure its usefulness for the country's rivers and conservation programmes.

Shri D.P. Mathuria, Executive Director (Technical), NMCG gave the welcome address and reflected upon NMCG’s journey towards water conservation. He said there had been a significant improvement in the water quality of river Ganga. He said that several projects are various stages of execution and commissioning of assets will further improve the river's water quality and its tributaries. He noted how the District Ganga Committees had become an important institution for coordinating various activities for rejuvenating the rivers, especially small rivers. He outlined how the Summit can provide suitable technological models for implementing various activities by leveraging financial resources from various schemes.

During the event, PTB, an online learning course of quality control for Monitoring Water Quality Analysis was also launched by the Hon. Union Minister. It is created by one of NMCG’s international partners, the German National Metrology Institute PTB. This online learning platform aims to strengthen quality infrastructure for water monitoring of the river Ganga. This will be done through the data collected in the river basin of Ganga to monitor water quality based on recognized quality-assurance measures. The online training will support the efforts aimed towards achieving this objective.

The Hon. Minister also released River Atlas Journey: Reports including Uttarakhand River Atlas, Alaknanda and Bhagirathi: River Basins Atlas, Yamuna River Basin Atlas, Atlas of Rivers in Delhi: Version 1, Atlas of Rivers in Uttar Pradesh: Version 1, Hindon River Basin Atlas, Kali East River Basin Atlas: Version 1, Ramganga River Basin Atlas: Version 1, Gomti River Basin Atlas: Version 1, Ghaghara River Basin Atlas: Version 1, and Novel Sensor-based Water Quality Data of Rivers, Drains and Industrial Discharges: How Reliable Are They For Public Purposes?

Day 1 also marked sessions on ‘Setting the Goal to Determine Healthy Status of the River’, Hybrid Model for International Companies’ and ‘International Collaboration’.

14-Dec-2021: 6th India Water Impact Summit Concludes

The 6th Edition of the India Water Impact Summit based on theme for River Resources Allocation- Planning and Management at the Regional Level concluded on its 5th day and final day today. The valedictory session was conducted in a hybrid mode by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), New Delhi and Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga), Kanpur. The session was graced by the Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri Bisweshwar Tudu & Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG, Prof Vinod Tare, Founding Head, c-ganga and Ms. Yamini Aiyar President and Chief Executive of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) among others.

During the session, Shri Bisweshwar Tudu, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti congratulated NMCG and c-Ganga for the remarkable effort of organizing the 6th IWIS and applauded the great participation and successful deliberation and discussion by the prominent experts from Indian and International diaspora. He emphasized on the importance of implementing the outcomes of these discussions and focus on more practical approaches. Shri Tudu concluded by saying that he is hopeful that next year’s IWIS will also bring more interesting topics and discussions for the better management, planning and protection of rivers and its resources as well.

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, DG, NMCG began his address by highlighting the scientific knowledge and approach behind the development of the Namami Gange Programme. The Ganga River Basin Management Plan (GRBMP) developed by the 7 IIT consortium has given a very strong background and understanding of the Ganga Basin. He said, “River Ganga is a lifeline, it exists in the thinking of each one of us. In this summit, we have had many international sessions also, as the topic is not only limited to India but also concerns with rivers and regions across the globe. While starting the Namami Gange Programme, Aviral Dhara and Nirmal Dhara missions came along to maintain the quantity and quality of the flow. Following the vision of the Prime Minister, the mission was incomplete without the people river connect and that was brought in through the concept of Jan and Gyan Ganga”. He also said that the MoU with the Centre for Policy and Research (CPR) will help Namami Gange in policy and governance perspectives related to river rejuvenation and conservation of river Ganga.

Prof. Vinod Tare, Founding Head, Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (c-Ganga) and Professor, IIT Kanpur talked about the overall IWIS deliberations and discussions on the regional scale of river Ganga. He mentioned,  “It is our responsibility to maintain the ecology of the rivers and how we can deliver diligently to those responsibilities is something being discussed in the Science and Technology, and Policy & Governance sessions”. He said,  “Over five days of events, more than 35 panelists from different countries, regions and sectors contributed to the success of the 6th IWIS”.

During the session a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed MoU between NMCG and the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), New Delhi - a premier public policy research think tank. Both organizations shall work together to collaborate in research and knowledge production activities for rejuvenating rivers in India and informed policy thinking and institutional transformation for enduring outcomes for long-term impact.

The day witnessed the launch of four important releases which include the ‘Uttarakhand River Atlas’, ‘Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River Basin Atlas’, ‘Yamuna River Basin Atlas’ and the ‘Samarth Ganga Report’. Additionally, the ‘Leather Trade Information Portal’, which is a unique digital portal developed by Namami Gange and Solidaridad was also launched. The portal is a solution-oriented tool which will help the tanneries to self-assess their environmental performance.

The last day of the Summit focused on the deltaic region of the River basin and witnessed special addresses on Ecology and River Flow in Sundarbans and River Islands by Dr Anurag Danda, Director, Sundarbans Program Office, WWF- India and Shri Manu Bhatnagar, Principal Director, Natural Heritage Division, INTACH respectively. A special address on River Rejuvenation through MGNREGA was also given by Shri Yogesh Kumar, Additional Commissioner, MGNREGA-UP. Shri Mike Pandey, three-time recipient of the Green Oscar Award also joined the session at the Summit through a video message on ‘Sunderbans – A fragile Ecosystem’.

The 6th Edition of the Summit was based on theme for River Resources Allocation- Planning and Management at the Regional Level. The session had adopted a regional level approach for the Summit and was categorized into overall basin and subsequently in upper, middle, lower and deltaic region of the Ganga basin. The various sessions organized included the need for identification and conducting systematic assessment and valuation of river resources, potential impact of water efficient solutions in maintaining the overall water balance of the country, implementation challenges of the river resources allocation plans, the need to inculcate a scientific understanding of rivers for developing sustainable policies and encourage the creation of circular water economy through water recycling and establishing a water trading market, amongst others. Each day also had dedicated session for international collaborations which are underway. These include countries such as Norway, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and EU and its member states.

The 5-day Summit also witnessed the signing of an MoU between C-Ganga and Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) for the development of a sludge management framework.  Similarly, two MoUs have also been signed with Innovation Centre Denmark and UPS Hungary to encourage the sharing of knowledge and increase participation of Hungarian industry in the Ganga River Basin Restoration and Conservation Program. An MoU between C Ganga and British water was also signed to promote the development of 21st century infrastructure in water and the environment sector.

10-Dec-2020: Union Jal Shakti Minister inaugurates 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS) with focus on Arth Ganga-River conservation synchronized development

The 5th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS), organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga)began today with the theme of comprehensive analysis and holistic management of local rivers and water bodies with focus on Arth Ganga - river conservation synchronised development.

The summit was inaugurated by the Jal Shakti Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He said that Namami Gange is one of the largest, holistic and successful river conservation programs in the country which is laying down a model framework for river rejuvenation. The decisions in this program are based on studying the unsatisfactory results of previous programs. Sharing his Government’s vision to establish an eco-system where economic development goes hand-in-hand with ecological conservation, he said, “This summit is aimed at discussing and disseminating the needs for the modalities of embracing Arth Ganga and the vision of the Prime Minister in sectors that closely interweave with river conservation.” Speaking about knowledge transfer and experience sharing between countries he said, “The 5th IWIS will forge greater interaction between investors and stakeholders in the water sector and promote international cooperation between India and many foreign countries for water and river management.”

MOS, Ministry of Jal Shakti , Shri Ratan Lal Kataria stressed that the Government is working towards sustainable development. “This can be seen from the fact that all the sewage treatment projects have been developed by keeping future capacity in mind,” he said.

Emphasizing the need for water use efficiency Shri. U. P. Singh, Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry, said “There is huge scope of water conservation both at the demand side and supply side management and is required to rejuvenate the river.” He proposed “5 Rs” for waste water management which are recycle, reuse, reduce, recharge (ground water) and respect for water.

Acknowledging the contribution of IITs in shaping and modelling the Namami Gange program, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG said, “As part of Gyan Ganga initiative, we are engaging with scientists and researchers at the national and international level, to gain from their knowledge and experience.” He shared that the Summit will try to discuss and address issues of Agriculture, Human Habitation, both urban and rural, on banks of rivers, Tourism, Energy and Flood Management. Prof. Vinod Tare, IIT Kanpur expressing their intentions to work towards implementation of the Prime Minister’s vision of Arth Ganga on the ground said, “River conservation itself is an economic activity giving employment to many and is contributing to the GDP.” He added that Ganga represents all rivers and water. Hence, learnings from Ganga rejuvenation would help in management of other rivers and water bodies also.

The summit IWIS which is organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Center for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies will continue till 15th December and will bring together various stakeholders to discuss, debate and develop model solutions to some of the biggest water related issues in the country.

4-Dec-2018: India Water Impact Summit-2018 to be held from 5th December

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate India Water Impact Summit 2018, being jointly organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) from 5-7 December 2018 in New Delhi.

The India Water Impact Summit is an annual event where stakeholders get together to discuss, debate and develop model solutions for some of the biggest water related problems in the country. The discussions this year will be on rejuvenation of the Ganga River Basin. There will be multi-country dialogue on the subject, with showcasing of technological innovations, research, policy frameworks and funding models from India and abroad. A number of Indian Central Government Ministries as well as all key decision makers responsible for delivering the rejuvenation of the Ganga will also be present at the Summit.

The efforts may take various forms including (but not limited to): data collection (sensors, LIDAR, modelling etc.), hydrology, e-flows, agriculture, waste water and more.

The Summit will focus on three key aspects:

1. Spotlight on 5 states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi and Bihar. The objective is to showcase the efforts and works going on within the respective states.
2. Ganga Financing Forum: The 2018 Summit also introduces the inaugural Ganga Financing Forum that will bring a number of institutions to a common knowledge, information and partnership platform. The Hybrid Annuity Model has redefined the economic landscape of water and waste-water treatment in India. All tenders have been successfully bid out and financial closures being achieved. Additionally, the Government is also now encouraging development of smaller decentralised waste water treatment projects. The Financing Forum will bring together financial institutions and investors interested in Namami Gange programmes.
3. Technology and Innovation: Implementation of the pilot/demonstration programme known as the Environment Technology Verification (ETV) process. This will provide an opportunity to technology and innovation companies from around the world to showcase their solutions for addressing the problems prevalent in the river basin.

Nearly 200 domestic and international participants from nearly 15 countries and more than 50 Central, State and Municipal Government representatives are likely to participate in the summit. There will be sessions on Afforestation and Biodiversity, Urban River/Water Management Plans, Creating a Global Ecosystem for financing the Ganga Rejuvenation Programme and tapping into global capital markets for long term project finance.

12-Dec-2022: Commitments made under CoP 26

The five elements enunciated by India at COP26 in Glasgow have been appropriately incorporated in enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under Paris Agreement and Long term Low Carbon Development Strategies towards net zero emissions by 2070, in accordance with the principles of equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) in light of National Circumstances.

As per the updated NDC submitted to UNFCCC in August 2022, India stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030, from 2005 level; achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030, with the help of transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund; and put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change.

The NDC update is also a step towards achieving India’s long term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070; for which India has prepared and submitted a separate framework document titled ‘India’s Long-term Low Carbon Development Strategy’ to the secretariat of the UNFCCC in November 2022.

Government of India stands committed to combat climate change through its several programmes and schemes including the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which comprises of missions in specific areas of solar energy, energy efficiency, water, sustainable agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem, sustainable habitat, health, green India, and strategic knowledge for climate change. The National Solar Mission under the NAPCC is one of the key initiatives to promote sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security. Some of the measures undertaken to promote renewable power in the country are as follows:

1. Permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 percent under the automatic route;
2. Waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025;
3. Declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2029-30;
4. Setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to Renewable Energy (RE) developers for installation of RE projects at large scale;
5. Schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), Solar Rooftop Phase II, 12000 MW Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase II, etc.;
6. Laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power;
7. Notification of standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic system/devices;
8. Setting up of Project Development Cell for attracting and facilitating investments;
9. Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar photovoltaic system and Wind Projects;
10. Notification of Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022;
11. Notification of “The electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and related matters) Rules 2002 (LPS rules)”; and
12. Issued orders that power shall be dispatched against Letter of Credit (LC) or advance payment to ensure timely payment by distribution licensees to RE generators.

India has progressively continued decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions. India’s emission intensity of gross domestic product (GDP) has reduced by 24percent between 2005 and 2016. As on 31stOctober 2022, India’s total electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources is 172.72 GW, which is 42.3percent of the total electric power installed capacity from non-fossil based energy resources.

The Central Government has taken steps toward the development of renewable energy sources in Odisha.  The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated 1000MW Solar Park to Odisha for development under the Ultra Mega Solar Power Park (UMSPP) Scheme. About 4000 acres of land has been identified at Bhograi and Bahanaga in Balasore district and Land identification across the other districts is also under progress for this purpose.

A total of 627.56 MW of cumulative Renewable Energy capacity has been installed in the State of Odisha as on 31stOctober 2022.

2-May-2022: India reiterates its commitment to environmental and climate causes and to fulfil its commitment at COP 26 of achieving net zero emissions by 2070

India today reiterated its commitment to environmental and climate causes and pointed out that we have launched National Hydrogen Energy Mission and several such initiatives to fulfil India's commitment at COP 26 of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.

On the 2nd day of his visit to Germany, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh held a delegation level talks with his German counterpart Ms. Steffi Lemke, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection in Berlin as part of the India-Germany Inter Governmental Commission.

The agenda of the meeting was Adaptation to climate change, Biological diversity, Oceans and Artificial intelligence for environmental protection.

In view of the imminent future challenges on the climate and weather, Dr Jitendra Singh expressed interest to augment our cooperation in this field including Model Development, Application of Forecasts in the renewable energy and of course use of Artificial Intelligence/Machine learning. He mentioned that Science & Technology has been one of the strategic pillars of bilateral partnership and suggested to explore possibilities of bilateral scientific cooperation in emerging areas of Weather and Climate Research, specifically, on trends of regional climate extremes and variability of vulnerable areas including tropics and high-latitudes.

Dr Jitendra Singh conveyed to his German counterpart that Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad provides early warning information for Tsunami related hazards to the Indian Ocean rim countries. He added that India has been recognized as one of the Tsunami Service Providers (TSP) under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization - Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC) and invited Germany to make utilization of this opportunity.

Dr Jitendra Singh noted with satisfaction that India is working towards Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment (PTHA) in the Makran region through UNESCO-IOC and funded by UNESCAP, where German experts and institutions are part of this initiative.

For strengthening mutual collaboration between MoES institutions and German scientific/ research agencies, Dr Jitendra Singh he proposed to develop bilateral cooperation in areas of-Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessments, Early detection of tsunamis including ‘atypical tsunami’ generated by the under-sea landslides triggered by earthquakes, Geodynamic modelling of Earth’s sub-surface for sub-marine landslides and Crustal deformation monitoring using Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) data, Tectonic settings of subduction zones in the Indian Ocean (more emphasis on Makran Subduction Zone) and integrating Machine Learning methods, Capacity building activities to strengthen pre-disaster preparedness and risk reduction programmes such as Tsunami Ready, Cooperation in the area of long term Arctic (Polar) observations & studies and Cooperation in the field of Gas Hydrates and underwater drills.

For bilateral cooperation in Ocean Exploration, Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that the Blue Economy is an important dimension of Vision New India and proposed joint collaboration in areas like Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism, Marine fisheries, aquaculture, and fish processing, Coastal and deep-sea mining and offshore energy.

Ms. Steffi Lemke, German Environment Minister reciprocated the proposal and briefed on German advancement in these areas and agreed to work out new collaboration.

7-Apr-2022: Lifestyle Change to Save the Environment

At the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, India shared the mantra of LIFE - Lifestyle for Environment - to combat climate change.

The United Nations has created a framework of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which is a comprehensive strategy to reorient economies toward long-term sustainability. The SDGs address issues such as health and education, inequity, climate change, and the preservation of our oceans and forests, among others. Goal 12 of the SDG is to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns focusing on waste management (both municipal and hazardous), food loss reduction, waste recycling and reuse, and sustainability in industries such as tourism. SDG 12 calls for a change in present lifestyle to one that is more sustainable.

As part of the United Nations Decade of Action for attainment of SDGs, India has initiated several measures for promoting Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy, including for prevention and management of waste. Concepts of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Circular Economy are based on principles of reduce-reuse-recycle and are relevant for promoting sustainable consumption and production. NITI Aayog has constituted Committees for development of circular economy (CE) action plans for different categories of wastes. MoEFCC is the Nodal Ministry for Circular Economy Action Plan for Tyre and Rubber and has notified on 16.02.2022 'Guidelines on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic Packaging' under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

In January 2018, MoEFCC launched the Green Good Deeds (GGDs) movement as a social movement with the aim to bring about mass environmental awareness in the society at all levels. GGDs are simple, practical steps that every individual may perform in day-to-day life in order to adopt an environment-friendly lifestyle. A compilation of such deeds has also been published under the title ‘Green Deeds & Habits for Sustainable Environment’. Promotion of GGDs among school and college students has been taken up under the National Green Corps (NGC) “Eco-club” programme. Cleanliness drives, plantation drives, awareness on waste management, minimizing use of single-use plastic, eco-friendly celebration of festivals, etc. are some of the activities undertaken by Eco-club students.

24-Mar-2022: Agenda of COP26, Glasgow

The Government of India has articulated and put across the concerns of developing countries at the 26thsession of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom. As a part of its overall approach, India emphasized the foundational principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities and called for climate justice in global climate action. It also highlighted that all countries should have equitable access to the global carbon budget, a finite global resource, for keeping temperature increase within the limits set by the Paris Agreement. All countries must stay within their fair share of this global carbon budget while using it responsibly. India also called on the developed countries to undertake rapid reductions in emissions during the current decade so as to reach net-zero much earlier than their announced dates, as they have used more than their fair share of the depleting global carbon budget.

India also highlighted that the transfer of climate finance and low-cost climate technologies have become more important for the implementation of climate actions by the developing countries. The ambition on climate finance on the part of developed countries cannot remain same as it was at the time of the Paris Agreement in 2015. It was also emphasized that just as the UNFCCC tracks the progress made in climate mitigation, it should also track climate finance. India also announced to intensify its climate action.

The major decisions at COP26, as reflected in the ‘Glasgow Climate Pact’, pertain to mitigation, adaptation and finance required for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

All decisions at the annual Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC are arrived at by consensus and hence the question of India being directed to undertake any action by such decisions does not arise. India, for its part, abides by commitments to the UNFCCC in letter and spirit. India with more than 17% of the global population has contributed only about 4.37% of the global cumulative greenhouse gas emissions between 1850 and 2019. Even though we are not part of the problem, India is committed to being part of the solution and has done far more than its fair share. India’s commitment to emission intensity reduction of the economy isan economy-wide target and not specific to any sectors including transport and energy sectors.

The Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC),which is the overarching policy framework and comprises of national missions in specific areas of solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, water, agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem, sustainable habitat, green India and strategic knowledge on climate change. Further, 33 States/Union Territories have prepared State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)consistent with the objectives of NAPCC.

The Government stands committed to combating climate change through its several programmes and schemes. Many such efforts are underway and include, inter-alia, initiatives to accelerate the renewable energy transition, decarbonisation of transport and adoption of electric mobility, etc. The government has announced the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission with the goal to make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production and export.

The Government, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme, notified production linked incentive scheme for manufacturing advanced chemistry cells and for automobiles &auto components. India has leapfrogged from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BSVI)emission norms by April 1, 2020, which was earlier to be adopted by 2024. India's current share of non-fossil sources based installed capacity of electricity generation is more than 40%. Under Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme, a total of 36.79 crores LED bulbs have been distributed to enhance energy efficiency as on date. India has announced a voluntary vehicle scrapping policy to phase out old and unfit vehicles, which will help in encouraging fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles. Indian Railways has taken a number of initiatives including setting up Dedicated Freight Corridors, further railway electrification, improving energy efficiency in traction, and increasing the share of renewable energy. Indian Railways has set a target of making itself ‘net zero’ by 2030.

3-Feb-2022: India's Stand at COP-26

The Government of India has articulated and put across the concerns of developing countries at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Further, India presented the following five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action:

1. Reach 500GWNon-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
2. 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
3. Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
4. Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent by 2030, over 2005 levels.
5. Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.

In this context, it was highlighted that the transfer of climate finance and low-cost climate technologies have become more important for implementation of climate actions by the developing countries. The ambitions on climate finance by developed countries cannot remain the same as they were at the time of Paris Agreement in 2015. It was emphasized that just as the UNFCCC tracks the progress made in climate mitigation, it should also track climate finance. Further, it was conveyed to the developed countries that India understands the suffering of all other developing countries, shares them, and hence raises the voice of developing countries.

The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment to combat climate change was also shared in COP 26. It was stated that Lifestyle for Environment has to be taken forward as a campaign to make it a mass movement of Environment Conscious Lifestyles. The message conveyed by India was that the world needs mindful and deliberate utilization, instead of mindless and destructive consumption.

As a part of its overall approach, India emphasized the foundational principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. It also highlighted that all countries should have equitable access to the global carbon budget, a finite global resource, for keeping temperature increase within the limits set by the Paris Agreement and all countries must stay within their fair share of this global carbon budget, while using it responsibly. India also called on the developed countries for climate justice, and for undertaking rapid reductions in emissions during the current decade so as to reach net zero much earlier than their announced dates, as they have used more than their fair share of the depleting global carbon budget.

India’s interests have been articulated in decisions adopted at COP 26. The announcement to intensify India’s climate action has the potential to bring investment and new technologies to support country’s transition to a clean and climate resilient economy. Many nations in the World have applauded the five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action.

21-Dec-2021: India needs to increase its capacity of non-fossil fuel energy, decrease carbon intensity, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2070 to help address COP 26 announcements

India needs to take multitude of approaches to address COP 26 announcements by Hon’ble PM.  They include increasing capacity of non-fossil fuel energy, decreasing carbon intensity, meeting half the energy requirement through renewable energy by 2030, reducing carbon emissions, and achieving net zero emissions by 2070.  Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Sr. Adviser Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India highlighted these facts at the inaugural session of the online Training Programme on ‘Climate Change: Challenges and Response (for Scientists & Technologists)’.

The 5-day online training program at the Centre for Disaster Management (CDM), Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie is being attended by scientists, technologists, and resource persons interested in climate change and its allied areas from central and state government organizations all over India. The program being supported by DST is being conducted from 20- 24 December 2021.

“Bringing economy's carbon intensity down to 45 percent by 2030 is achievable with some major initiatives on Electric vehicle and green Hydrogen energy. Fulfilling 50 percent of India’s energy requirement through renewable energy by 2030 is also achievable as India already achieved 40% share of renewable energy. Reducing 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030 is challenging as India will have to cut down its carbon emissions by nearly 22%. The biggest challenge for the country is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070, which would entail scaling up of renewable energy production by several-fold. Besides, usage of coal would need to be dropped substantially, and consumption of crude oil across sectors would need to peak by 2050 and fall substantially between 2050 and 2070,” Dr. Gupta informed.

Dr. Gupta mentioned that urbanization is the new global change underway and stressed that surface temperatures in urban clusters may go up by 3-4 degrees Celsius higher than the global change. “The precipitation intensity and frequency could be entirely different from normal rainfall patterns in the urban clusters,” he added. He mentioned that a recent study shows that the rainfall intensity in metropolitan cities are closely linked to population density. He stressed that combined effect of increase in greenhouse gas concentrations at the global scale and land use and land cover changes at the local level are the key anthropogenic factors impacting climate change in cities.

“Glaciology, Climate Modelling, Urban Climate, Extreme events, and Himalayan ecosystem studies are the priority areas identified for the next 5 years under the Climate Change programme of DST,” he pointed out.

Dr. Gupta informed that according to the Climate Change vulnerability ranking of states carried out by DST, the 8 most vulnerable states are Jharkhand, Mizoram, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal – all in the eastern region, and there is a direct relationship between poverty and low HDI with the vulnerability of a place.

He also stressed on the need of Climate Change risk assessment at district level over and above the vulnerability assessment for identifying climate-induced risk index. “This risk assessment would be helpful in development of adaptation strategies and help in disaster management as well,” he added.

Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Associate Professor, CDM, LBSNAA, was also present during the inaugural program, which was attended by scientists, technologists, and experts on different aspects of climate change.

11-Nov-2021: Teenage girl credited for Solar Ironing Cart exhorts the world to move towards clean energy during COP26

A 15-year-old girl from Tamil Nadu, who was recognized Earth Day Network Rising Star 2021 (USA) for her idea of ‘Solar Ironing Cart’, has exhorted the world to move towards clean energy during the recently concluded COP 26.

Miss Vinisha Umashankar, a class 10 student from Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu who received the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards instituted by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India, an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for her mobile ironing cart, which uses solar panels to power a steam iron box is now an inspiration for the world for her speech at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (31st Oct – 12th Nov) at Glasgow, Scotland.

“I am not here to speak about the future, I am the future,” she said encouraging the world to move towards renewable energy and accelerating the journey which started with the innovation in 2019.

The prototype of Vinisha’s mobile ironing cart which uses solar panels to power a steam iron box has been developed by National Innovation Foundation (NIF) – India in the year 2019.

A key benefit of the solar ironing cart is that it eliminates the need for coal for ironing bringing about a welcome shift towards clean energy. End users can move around and offer services at doorstep for increasing their daily earning. The ironing cart can also be fitted with a coin-operated GSM PCO, USB charging points and mobile recharging which can fetch extra income. It is an ingenious solar-powered alternative for the millions of charcoal burning ironing carts for pressing clothes and can benefit the workers and their families. The device can also be powered by pre-charged batteries, electricity or diesel-powered generator in the absence of sunlight.

Vinisha’s efforts have made India stand out as a country which brings innovative solutions for the climate change problem.  Prominent world leaders like the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi; Prime Minister of Britain Mr. Boris Johnson; President of USA Mr. Joe Biden; Prince William, founder of The Earthshot Prize; Mr. John Kerry, the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate (SPEC) from USA; The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Noted philanthropist Mr. Michael Bloomberg amongst others were audience to her speech which is attracting a global appreciation.

8-Nov-2021: Lack of a serious approach to climate finance will jeopardize the enhanced mitigation and adaptation ambition as well as Net Zero pledges of parties: BASIC countries at COP26

Taking the floor on behalf of BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China), India delivered the BASIC group statement at the joint stock take plenary at COP26 underway at Glasgow.

Delivering the statement, Ms. Richa Sharma, Lead Negotiator(India) and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that BASIC countries support strong , credible domestic mitigation actions by developed country parties without undue reliance on cheap offsets to maintain their high carbon , unsustainable lifestyles and towards this end, the grouping supports markets that are credible and have high environmental integrity and strong non market approaches as well.

Ms. Sharma highlighted that cover decisions of COP26 should remain within the confines of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement and be fully consistent with its guiding principles of equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities(CBDR-RC) and stated that the planet will benefit from strong implementation of the Paris Agreement , particularly in this critical decade.

6-Nov-2021: India speaks on climate change from a position of strength and responsibility at the Facilitative Sharing of Views (FSV) of India’s Third Biennial Update Report (BUR) at COP26

During the 11th Facilitative Sharing of Views (FSV) at the ongoing COP26, India made a presentation on its third Biennial Update Report (BUR) that was submitted to UNFCCC in February 2021.

Making a statement on behalf of India, Dr. J R Bhatt, Scientist G(Adviser) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, highlighted the fact that India represents 17% of the global population, its historical cumulative emissions are only 4%, while current annual GHG emissions are only about 5%.

Welcoming the FSV as an opportunity to interact with the Parties and complementing the multilateral process, Dr. J R Bhatt, Scientist G(Adviser) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, made a statement on behalf of India, highlighting the fact that India represents 17% of the global population, its historical cumulative emissions are only 4%, while current annual GHG emissions are only about 5%.

"This is complemented by the fact that India is particularly vulnerable to climate change. However, India is nevertheless taking several mitigation actions, spanning across the entire economy and society and has progressively continued decoupling of its economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.", added Dr. Bhatt.

A total of nine countries namely, UK, EU, China, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia asked question as part of the workshop proceedings. All the Parties commended India’s efforts on the BUR and its climate mitigation actions, including recent announcements of new measures.

The key highlight of the discussion on India’s third BUR was the achievement of 24% reduction in emission intensity of its Gross domestic product over the period of 2005-2014, and the significant increase of its solar programme. In the last 7 years, India’s installed solar energy capacity has increased 17 times.

There were questions about India’s multilateral efforts to combat climate change, including the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). India responded by saying that disaster risk is increasing in developing countries, and this is a step to enhance international cooperation which is much needed in the current times. On the question of India’s increase in forest cover, India responded that people’s participation has played an important role in enhancing its forest cover, and that its forests provide all the four ecosystem services. India highlighted that it speaks on climate change from a position of strength and responsibility.

1-Nov-2021: Shri Bhupender Yadav delivers statement on behalf of BASIC countries at COP26.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered the statement on behalf of the BASIC group of countries, comprising Brazil, South Africa, India and China at the UN Climate Change Conference underway at Glasgow.

He highlighted that even though COP 26 has been delayed by a year, Parties have already commenced implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and therefore, it is crucial that Paris Agreement Rulebook is concluded at COP 26.

“In doing so, full effect must be given to implementation of the principles of Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and, recognition of the very different national circumstances of Parties”, stated Shri Yadav and underlined that developing countries must be accorded time, policy space and support to transition towards a low emissions future.

The Indian Environment Minister mentioned that COP 26 must aim for higher global ambition on climate finance and adaptation as well, along with recognition of Parties’ differing historical responsibilities and the developmental challenges faced by developing countries, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the statement, Shri Yadav recalled the bottom-up nature of the Paris Agreement and the freedom of Parties to determine their NDCs and progressively update them based on the outcomes of the Global Stock take cycle and as per national circumstances and call of science.

With regard to the long-term temperature goal, he affirmed that the latest available science makes it clear that all Parties need to immediately contribute their fair share, and achieving this would require developed countries to rapidly reduce their emissions and dramatically scale-up their financial support to developing countries.

“Developed countries have not only failed to meet the $100 billion goal per year of support to developing countries each and every year since 2009, they continue to present the 2009 goal as the ceiling of their ambition all the way to 2025. In a context where developing countries, including BASIC countries, have massively stepped up their climate actions since 2009, it is unacceptable that there is still no matching ambition from developed countries on the enabling means of implementation on climate finance support.”, said the Environment Minister.

He further added that COP 26 needs to be remembered as the COP where a step-change in financial support for developing countries from developed countries was initiated.

He said that along with finance, technology development and transfer and capacity-building are critical enablers of climate actions in developing countries.

“Decisions particularly on climate finance and Article 6 can significantly help enhance climate ambition. A market mechanism that facilitates private sector engagement in carbon markets could help further raise climate ambition, in addition to what is being achieved under the NDCs.”, said the Minister

Shri Yadav highlighted that the success of multilateralism lies in transparent, inclusive, Party-driven and consensus-based nature of the UNFCCC process and the group expects that all agenda items shall proceed in an inclusive and balanced manner, and the outcome should reflect the views of all Parties.

At the end, on behalf of the BASIC group, he reaffirmed full commitment to fighting climate change and work constructively and progressively with the Presidency and all other Parties in ensuring that a successful outcome is reached at COP 26.

21-Oct-2021: At COP 26, all important pending issues should be resolved mutually taking into account national priorities and circumstances: Shri Bhupender Yadav

Stressing on the urgency of strong climate actions the Union Environment Minister, Shri Bhupender Yadav underlined the need for initiating the process of setting the long-term climate finance for post-2020 and the fulfilment of the goal of USD 100 billion committed by developed countries at the bilateral held in New Delhi with H.E. Mr. Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice President- European Green Deal, European Union.

Both sides discussed a wide range of climate issues relating to COP26, EU and Indian climate policies, bilateral cooperation between the EU and India.

On the upcoming COP-26 the Environment Minister stated that  in the COP 26, all important pending issues like Article 6, Common Time Frame, Enhanced Transparency Framework, etc. should be resolved mutually taking into account national priorities and circumstances.

Both sides acknowledged that India and the EU should work together to achieve a successful outcome of COP26 to enable full and effective implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement.

Shri Yadav also highlighted India’s ambitious climate action plans under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi towards a green transition covering the priority areas of renewable energy, sustainable transport including e-vehicles, energy efficiency, forest, and biodiversity conservation, etc.

Applauding, India’s leadership on Climate Actions, Mr. Timmermans said that the whole World is in admiration of India’s ambitious target of 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Both sides may explore to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation on climate and environment, especially on ways and means which help in promoting low carbon pathways.

2-Oct-2021: India promises to engage constructively at COP 26 and evaluate bridging proposals to conclude Paris rulebook

Representing India virtually at the Pre-COP 26 meeting held in Milan, Italy from 30th September to 2nd October 2021, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav assured that India will engage constructively at COP 26 and evaluate bridging proposals to conclude the Paris rulebook, which can be done by delivering on the climate finance promises of the developed countries.

He highlighted that India recognizes the urgency of strong climate action in this decade to ensure that the world is on track to stay within the temperature goal of the Paris agreement, as well as adapt to its impacts, and minimize loss and damage. Hence, the COP 26 outcome must emphasise the need to plug the ambition gap by delivering the means of implementation support that will allow developing countries to enhance their climate actions.

He further said that India strongly believes that the only way to deliver climate goals particularly on mitigation is through concrete action on speedy, assured and sustained finance.

The Environment Minister mentioned that climate change is embedded in India’s development strategy and India has been a frontrunner in taking ambitious climate action. However, India has a large population that is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Hence, adaptation is among the top priorities for our country. Highlighting on the gravity of climate finance, he stated that India strongly believes that COP 26 must initiate the process of setting the new collective long-term climate finance goal for post-2020.

The Pre-COP 26 meeting was hosted by the Government of Italy from 30th September to 2nd October 2021 in Milan, Italy in the run up to COP 26. The meeting aimed at setting the path to COP 26 and providing a platform to Parties to share insight on their expectations from the Conference which is schedule to be held in Glasgow from 31st October to 12th November 2021.

20-Sep-2021: COP26 should focus on climate finance in scope, scale and speed and transfer of green technologies at low cost says India at UN.

Representing India virtually at the UN Secretary General’s meeting with select leaders on Climate Change  on 20th September,2021 convened by H.E. António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General and H.E. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of United Kingdom, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav underlined the need for upholding the principles of UNFCCC process, for any successful outcome in any climate change negotiations including the upcoming COP 26.

In the Meeting, crucial climate actions on finance, mitigation and adaptation required for tackling the climate crisis were discussed.

The Environment Minister also mentioned about the concrete climate actions that India has been taking under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi including 450 GW of Renewable Energy by 2030.

The Environment Minister mentioned that in light of the recent IPCC findings and the latest UNFCCC Synthesis Report, and that the developed countries have collectively emitted more than their estimated emission allowances in 2008-2020 period, they should take greater action on mitigation and provide financial support to developing countries.

Shri Yadav stressed that even at the UNFCCC there is a very urgent need for giving due importance to adaptation and discuss whether the scale of resources is commensurate with the scale of the needs of developing countries.

The Minister also underlined that ambitious climate action in developing countries is dependent on ambitious support from developed countries under the Paris Agreement, and called upon the developed countries to fulfil their promise of the USD 100 billion per year goal made in 2009. COP26 should focus on climate finance in scope, scale and speed and transfer of green technologies at low cost.

9-Sep-2021: COP 26 should ensure a balanced outcome with equal treatment to all agenda items like adaptation, finance, response measures

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav met with Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, H. E. Dan Jorgensen to discuss on general bilateral cooperation between India and Denmark in the areas of environment and climate change. Minister Dan Jorgensen is on five days’ visit to India with a business delegation.

In the meeting, Mr. Bhupender Yadav acknowledged the historical and friendly ties between the two countries and highlighted the contributions of Denmark in the 'White Revolution' in India, because of which, today India is the largest producer of milk in the world.

Mr. Yadav also appreciated the contributions of Denmark in setting up of the Clean and Wind energy hub in Tamil Nadu and the companies from Denmark that have made significant investments in India in diverse sectors.

Both the Ministers’ held discussion on Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) and upcoming COP 26 meeting.

Reinstating the findings of the IPCC Physical Science Summary for Policy Makers (SPM) released recently, Shri Yadav highlighted that the world must recall about the forgotten phrases ‘Equity, CBDR-RC, and National Circumstances’ that are the bedrock of UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement and emphasized that COP 26 should ensure a balanced outcome with equal treatment to all agenda items like adaptation, finance, response measures, etc.

The Environment Minister’s also discussed on the Joint Action Plan to take forward the Green Strategic Partnership(GSP) in the environment sector. Mr. Yadav stated that India and Denmark may explore strengthening bilateral cooperation especially on climate change, clean energy, circular economy, and resource efficiency, etc.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation on environment, and also to take forward the discussion on GSP and COP26.

18-Aug-2021: India extends full support to the UK for a successful COP26 to be held in Glasgow in November.

Stating that India is always committed to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC) Framework  and its Paris Agreement, and will work constructively for successful and balanced outcome at COP26, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav extended India’s full support to the UK for COP26 to be held in Glasgow in November this year.

The Environment Minister had a detailed meeting with Mr. Alok Sharma , COP26 President-Designate, UK in New Delhi today wherein they discussed issues relating to climate change, COP26, India-UK 2030 Roadmap, and other related matters.

“India believes that Climate actions must be nationally determined and strongly advocates that the differentiation and operationalization of flexibility provided in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement for developing countries should be at the core of decision-making” emphasized Shri Yadav reiterating Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s focus on climate justice while fighting climate change.

The Environment Minister also mentioned about the global initiatives spearheaded by India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for tackling climate change viz. Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), Coalition on Coalition Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and International Solar Alliance (ISA).

COP26 President-Designate, UK, Alok Sharma sought the support of India on the COP 26 Initiatives launched by the UK and for a successful COP at Glasgow and acknowledged India’s leadership role. Both the leaders also exchanged views on important climate negotiation agenda items to be deliberated in the upcoming COP26 at Glasgow.

18-Aug-2021: Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman discusses various issues related to climate change with Rt. Hon Alok Sharma, COP 26 President Designate

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman met Rt. Hon Alok Sharma, the COP 26 President Designate, and discussed various issues related to climate change and specifically COP 26 here today.

The Finance Minister stated that India is among a few G20 countries on track towards UNFCCC and Paris Agreement goals and has taken decisive actions to tackle climate change. Smt. Sitharaman mentioned that the Government is taking concrete steps and at appreciable speed to meet its commitments on the target of 450GW of renewable energy by 2030. 100GW of this renewable energy had already been achieved, She added. Among other important initiatives, the extensive work done on Hydrogen Energy Mission was highlighted.

With regards to ongoing discussions on climate change in various fora, Smt. Sitharaman referring to the dialogue on climate justice spoke about the need to bring a sense of compassion towards the poor. The Finance Minister expressed hope that the commitment made by the developed countries to provide $100 billion per year to developing countries would be achieved and was optimistic about a positive outcome on the new collective goals on finance in COP 26.