Major Initiatives, Reforms and Achievements of MoEFCC

1. Forest Conservation, Afforestation and Green Cover Enhancement

1.1 Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign

Launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign emerged as one of the largest people-centric environmental movements in the world. Implemented through a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach:

• 262.4 crore saplings were planted till December 24, 2025
• The campaign integrated emotional, cultural and ecological values
• Plantation activities were digitally tracked through the Meri LiFE portal.

1.2   Forest and Tree Cover Status

According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023:

• The forest and tree cover of the country is 25.17% (21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover) of the geographical area of the country.
• There has been a cumulative gain of 4.83% in forest and tree cover since 2013.
• As per FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025:

§  India ranks 9th globally in forest area (up from 10th).

§  Retains 3rd position worldwide in annual net forest gain.

These achievements underscore India’s long-term commitment to expanding green cover while improving forest quality.

1.3 National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA)

• National CAMPA Authority, through its policies and innovative digital reforms, has transformed the planning and management of Compensatory Afforestation and Restoration of Ecosystem Services activities in India.
• By combining robust financial mechanisms, large-scale ecological restoration, and new digital systems—such as the (1) rolling out the pan india Digital APO Portal, (2) Development of Monitoring & Evaluation tool jointly with BISAG-N-, and the (3) National CAMPA Dashboard— National CAMPA is ensuring transparency, accountability, and scientific oversight.
• National Authority CAMPA has approved the Annual plan of Operations of 32 States and Union Territories  worth Rs,8561.34 crores during FY 2025-26 .

1.4  Aravalli Landscape Restoration (Green Wall Initiative)

• Aravalli Green Wall initiative proposes restoration of 6.31 million hectares, with priority intervention areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi.
• A phase-wise restoration plan (2025–2034) focuses on forest restoration, grassland rejuvenation, and mine reclamation through convergence with CAMPA, MGNREGS, Green India Mission, and other programmes.
• In 2025, about 36,025 Ha area have been restored.
• 435 nurseries falling under the Aravalli landscapes across four States, with a combined approximate production capacity of 393.24 lakh seedlings has been established.
• A  Detailed Action Plan for Aravalli Landscape Restoration, a major initiative to restore the Aravalli Hill Range was unveiled on 21 May 2025. The Action Plan  outlines a science-based, community-led, and policy-supported roadmap to restore the ecological integrity of the Aravallis.

2. Wildlife Conservation and Species Recovery

2.1 Project Tiger and Project Elephant

India continued to strengthen its flagship conservation programmes:

• 58 Tiger Reserves now cover approximately 85,000 sq km as compared to 46 in 2014.
•  New reserve: Madhav Tiger Reserve, MP.

• The 6th cycle of All India Tiger Estimation was initiated (global first).
• Habitat improvement and corridor protection were prioritised.
• Elephant Reserves increased to 33 in 2025 in comparison to 26 in 2014;  about 8,610 sq km additional area brought under protection.
• Major Interventions under Project Elephant are as under:
• India–Bangladesh Transboundary Elephant Conservation Protocol
• 150 elephant corridors identified across 15 States
• Ex-gratia for human fatalities enhanced: ₹5 lakh → ₹10 lakh
• Rail-track mitigation portal; 110 critical sites identified
• DNA profiling of captive elephants via Gaj Soochna App

 2.2 Protected Areas and Community Reserves

• Protected Areas increased to 1134 in 2025 as compared to 745 in 2014.
• Community Reserves under the Protected Area network has increased to 309 in 2025 as compared to 48 Protected Areas in 2014.

2.3 Project Cheetah

Project Cheetah entered an expansion phase in 2025:

• Cheetahs were introduced into Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary; planned expansion to Noradehi & Banni Grasslands
• Total cheetah population reached 30, including 19 cubs born in India
•  Successful reproduction marked a major conservation milestone

● Next batch of 8 cheetahs from Botswana received (2025)

2.4 International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

India continued to lead the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA launched in April 2023 to conserve 7 big cat species globally) with

• Framework Agreement entered into force on 23 January 2025.
• Membership has expanded to 18 countries

• Strengthened cooperation on conservation, capacity building and research
• IBCA links biodiversity conservation with climate adaptation, ecosystem services, water security, and community livelihoods, reinforcing India’s global leadership.

2.5 Launch of 05 National level Projects  and 04 National-level Action Plans.

Five National Level Projects for Species Conservation and Conflict Management, which includes Project Dolphin Phase 11, Project Sloth Bear, Project Gharial, a Centre of Excellence for Human-Wildlife Conflict Management, and a Project on "Tigers Outside Tiger Reserve" as well as, four National-level Action Plans & Field Guides for Species Population Assessments and Monitoring Programmes covering River Dolphins, Tigers, Snow Leopard and Bustards were launched during the Wildlife Week 2025 (October 2-8).

2.6 National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):

The 7th NBWL Meeting under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister, held at Sansan, Gir on 3rd March 2025, brought together key stakeholders to discuss wildlife conservation efforts, emphasizing collaboration and action points for enhancing biodiversity conservation in India.

3. Biodiversity Conservation and Community Participation

3.1 Biological Diversity Reforms

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Rules, 2025 were notified to:

• Simplify compliance
• Encourage research and innovation
• Strengthen benefit-sharing mechanisms

3.2 Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

• Reinforced the role of local communities as custodians of biodiversity.
• Launch of a Certificate Programme in Business & Biodiversity Conservation.
• Over ₹61 crore released to local communities under ABS.

3.3 Global Engagement

India actively participated in CBD COP-16 (Rome, 2025), advocating equity, finance, and technology transfer for biodiversity conservation.

4. Climate Change Action and Global Leadership

4.1 Achievements of India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

• Reduction in emission intensity of GDP by 36% from 2005 level achieved in 2020 - against the target of 45% by 2030
• Installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil fuel based energy sources increased to more than 50% in June 2025 - 5 years ahead of schedule
• Created 2.29 billion tonnes of additional carbon sink between 2005 and 2021 - against the target of creation of 2.5 - 3.0 billion tonnes of carbon sink by 2030

 4.2  Indian Carbon Market

Operationalisation of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) marked a major step in India’s climate strategy:

• Compliance and offset mechanisms were established
• Domestic market aligned with international carbon frameworks

India also signed a bilateral mechanism with Japan, in August 2025, under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

5. Air Quality Improvement and Urban Environment

5.1 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

NCAP continued to deliver measurable outcomes:

• 130 cities covered.
• ₹13,415 crore provided as performance-linked funding till now.
• Rs.792.72 crore released to 82 cities in FY 2025-26 under CP Scheme
• Recommendations sent to DoE based on air quality performance for release of Rs.2194.25 crore to 48 Million plus cities under XVth Finance Commission air quality grants
• 103 cities recorded reduction in PM10 levels in 2024-25 compared to 2017-18, out of which:
  • 64 cities have shown reduction by more than 20%
  • 25 of these cities have achieved a reduction of more than 40%.
• 22 cities met National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM10 levels.

Guidelines issued for conducting Ward level Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan in 130 cities.

5.2 Nagar Van Yojana (NVY)

Urban forestry gained momentum:

• Enhanced green spaces in cities and towns.
• 75 projects sanctioned in 2025.
• A total of 620 Nagar Van projects sanctioned.
• Total outlay of ₹654 crore.

6. Waste Management and Circular Economy

6.1 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Circular Economy

EPR frameworks were implemented across eight waste streams:

• Strong foundation laid for a circular economy
• As on 03.12.2025, 71,401 producers and 4,447 recyclers under various waste streams have been registered on the portals.
• Approximately 375.11 lakh tonnes of waste (plastic packaging waste, battery waste, e-waste, waste tyres) has been recycled with corresponding EPR certificates generation of 339.51 lakh tonnes, out of which 237.85 tonnes has been transferred to producers.

7. Coastal, Wetlands, Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Sensitive Zones

7.1 MISHTI Programme

Mangrove restoration gained momentum:

• 4536 ha area brought under restoration  in 2025.
• Rs. 46.48 crore released in 2025.
• Total 22,560 ha of degraded mangroves restored.

7.2 Wetland Conservation

• In 2025 , 11 Ramsar Sites were declared and added to the list.

• India now has 96 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia
• Udaipur and Indore became India’s first Ramsar-accredited Wetland Cities
• India now has the largest Ramsar network in Asia and the 3rd largest globally by number of sites.

7.3 National Coastal Mission

• Extended for 2025–31 with an allocation of ₹767 crore, strengthening climate resilience of coastal ecosystems.
•  As of the 2025-26 season, 18 beaches in India across 7 coastal States and 4 Union Territories have been accorded the Blue Flag Certification.

7.4  Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

• Conservation planning in India follows an ecosystem-based approach to protect representative habitats.
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) regulate development around Protected Areas while supporting sustainable livelihoods of local communities.
• 353 final ESZ notifications covering 496 Protected Areas have been issued, compared to only 23 ESZs covering 25 Protected Areas till 2014.

8. Environmental Awareness, Education and Capacity Building

• 1.12 lakh Eco-Clubs operational across the country
• Mission LiFE mobilised students and citizens towards sustainable lifestyles.  As reported on Meri LiFE portal, more than six crore people participated in over 34 lakh LiFE events so far. 4.96 crore Mission Life pledges taken.
• EIACP strengthened digital outreach and knowledge dissemination

9.  Activities under key Institutions:

• National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS): During the current financial year (2025-26), 17 new demand-driven projects have been approved to promote action-oriented research across different regions of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
•  Govind Ballabh Pant 'National Institute of Himalayan Environment' (NIHE) : Geotagged 77 springs in Yachuli and Yazali, Keyi Panior district of Arunachal Pradesh. Developed a regional database of 1025 pteridophyte taxa in the Indian Himalayan Region, 6.3% rise in species richness, 13% vegetation cover increase, and the morphilization. Reported two orchids species New to Science; (i) Phalaenopsis quadridentata and (ii) Gastrodia indica..
• Botanical Survey of India (BSI): Published ‘Plant Discoveries 2024’; undertook 88 floral surveys and local tours across diverse phyto geographical regions of the country; actively collected, multiplied, and introduced approximately 673 plant species into its network of botanic gardens; published 11 volumes of the Flora of India; 40,503 herbarium sheets digitized, and 88,056 associated metadata records prepared and integrated into the online archives.
• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): 6,938 species were added to the National Zoological Collection; 117 new species were discovered across diverse faunal groups; three patents granted for automated surveillance systems targeting mosquitoes, coleopterans, and protozoans; Digital Sequence Information strengthened with 1,352 DNA barcodes of 567 species submitted to BOLD and GenBank, enhancing molecular reference resources; 128 new records added to the Indian fauna.
•  Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE): Under Green Credit Programme 4391 ha under restoration across different states; a farmer's variety of Melia dubia GK 10  registered; a germplasm repository of 150 Dalbergia sissoo individuals from diverse agroclimatic zones of UP, MP, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, HP and UK established at ICFRE-FRI Dehradun; VAN VISTARA - Database Management System for Forest Genetic Resources of India launched by ICFRE-IFGTB, Coimbatore;  Trichoderma frianum sp. a new taxon within the Harzianum clade, discovered; developed Plywood passing MR grade as per IS: 848-2006 and particle board as per IS 3087 for Grade -2 with zero formaldehyde emission.
• Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM): Diversifying its academic offerings, the Institute has launched a Doctoral Programme in Management and two new MBA programmes in Sustainable Development, Development and Sustainable Finance during the year 2025.  The students’ intake under various post graduate programmes have increased to 275 and the campus strength has grown beyond 500 in 2025. The institute has also expanded geographically, successfully conducting Management Development Programmes through its Kurseong Campus, West Bengal since 2024.
• Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA): Total  207 IFS officers attended the MCT Mid-Career Training programme. IGNFA successfully organized several impactful Mid-Career Training Programs and two thematic trainings, which were conducted for the first time in a blended format through the IGOT platform of Mission Karmayogi. It included 426 participants from across the country. The Academy implemented the TARU Portal (Moodie Learning Management System) for the delivery of online and blended learning programmes.

10. International Cooperation and Multilateral Engagement

India played a leadership role at COP-30 (Brazil), Ramsar COP-15, UNEA-7, BRICS Climate Forum, and Minamata COP-6, reinforcing equity, finance and technology transfer for developing countries.

• Indian delegation participated in the Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development (CGCCSD) Open-ended Plenary and the 3rd High-Level BRICS Meeting on Climate Change and Sustainable Development held in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 27-28, 2025. The delegation played a key role in finalizing and adopting the ' BRICS Climate Leadership Agenda', reaffirming BRICS ' commitment to collective climate action aligned with the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC goals. India's proactive engagement sets the stage for its leadership during India's BRICS Chairmanship in 2026.
• At the Ramsar 15th Conference of Parties (CoP) held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 23-31 July 2025, India for the first (since 1982) introduced a Resolution on “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands”. The resolution received overwhelming support from the 172 Ramsar Contracting Parties, Six International Organisation Partners, and other observers and was formally adopted at the plenary session on July 30, 2025. The resolution is closely aligned with the principles of Mission LiFE.
• The MoEFCC and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) related to implementation of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement in the Field of Environmental Cooperation during the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister to Japan for the 15th India Japan Annual Summit held on 29-30th August 2025. The signed MoC will serve as an enabling framework for collaboration in areas pertaining to environmental preservation such as pollution control, climate change, waste management, sustainable use of biodiversity and environmental technologies.
• A delegation from MoEFCC led by Hon’ble Minister Environment, Forest & Climate Change participated in the G20 Environment Ministers’ Meeting, in Cape Town , South Africa help from 10-12 September 2025. India supported Integrating Climate and Development, while upholding Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities.
• A delegation participated in the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6), held in Geneva, from 3rd to 7th November 2025. India successfully obtained the last exemption for another period of 5 years (from 2025 to 2030) to phase out mercury-added products.
• An inter-ministerial delegation led by the Hon’ble Minister Environment, Forest & Climate Change attended 30th session of Conference of Parties (CoP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-30), held in Belém, Brazil from 10- 21 November 2025. India played a constructive and bridge-building role on behalf of developing countries. The participation yielded positive outcomes in the field of Adaptation indicators and finance, Climate Finance under Article 9, Just Transition Mechanism, Technology Implementation Programme and Mitigation Work Programme.
• A delegation led by Hon’ble Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change participated at UNEA-7 Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 8-12, 2025. India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted . The resolution, moved by India, received wide support from Member States, reaffirming global recognition of the urgent need to address the rising threat of wildfires worldwide.
• Indian delegation led by the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary and CITES Management Authority of India participated in the 20th meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES)  held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from 24th November to 5th December 2025.  During the CoP, several agenda items relating to conservation of wild species that are in trade were discussed and  decisions and Resolutions were adopted.

11. Days/events celebrated:

• Celebrated World Wetlands Day 2025 at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site, in February,  2025. The event highlighted the critical role of wetlands in environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods, aligning with this year’s theme of ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future’.
• MoEFCC, in collaboration with two institutes at the Harvard University, USA, organised a Conference on ‘India 2047: Building a Climate-Resilient Future’, from 19th – 22nd March 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.  The symposium served as a dynamic knowledge sharing platform for experts from diverse fields—including climate science, public health, labour, and urban planning—to deliberate on the urgent challenges posed by climate change and the pathways to a resilient future. The deliberations focused on four key themes: Climate Science of Heat and Water with its implications on Agriculture, Health, Work and the Built Environment.
• International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2025  celebrated on May 22, 2025 with an Exhibition on Biodiversity and Bioresources, in Udaipur (Rajasthan). The theme for IDB 2025 was ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
• World Environment Day (WED) was organised on June 5, 2025. The WED event at Bharat Mandapam was celebrated under the theme 'One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution', featuring the release of two key publications - Government Initiatives on Ending Plastic Pollution and a Compendium on Eco-alternatives to Banned SUPs and launch of the National Plastic Waste Reporting Portal. The event marked the launch of National Plastic Pollution Reduction Campaign, covering Tiger Reserves, government offices, Swachhta Hi Sewa activities and a Hackathon on eco-alternatives to single-use plastics. A National Expo was also organised showcasing the innovations from 150 startups and recyclers.
• Celebrating 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21st June, 2025, the MoEFCC in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH observed 'Harit Yoga' wherein a Yoga session was followed by tree plantation under the campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'. More than 800 events were organized across 130 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)  cities, with the participation of over three lakh citizens.
• Celebrated Global Tiger Day 2025 on  July 29, 2025. A nationwide tree plantation drive was launched. The Hon’ble Minister Environment, Forest & Climate Change  unveiled four important publications, each highlighting a unique aspect of India’s wildlife conservation.
• Celebrated World Lion Day – 2025 on August 10, 2025, at Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat. The grand celebrations of ‘World Lion Day’ was also organized across 11 districts of Saurashtra, Gujarat, to promote awareness about the conservation and protection of the Asiatic Lion.
• Celebrated World Elephant Day 2025 on August 12, 2025. A nationwide awareness campaign was initiated, engaging approximately 12 lakh students from about 5,000 schools to spread awareness about elephant conservation and the importance of harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife.
• Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards and Wetland Cities Recognition Ceremony 2025 was organized on 9th September 2025. The best-performing cities under Swachh Vayu Sarveshan 2025 conducted in 130 cities under National Clean air Progamme (NCAP) were awarded. During the event the 'Ward-Level Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Guidelines' were released. A' Compendium of Best Practices under the National Clean Air Programme' was also released. Two cities namely Indore and Udaipur were issued certificates for being recognized as Wetland Cities under Ramsar Convention.
• 31st World Ozone Day on  September 16, 2025  celebrated with the theme 'From science to global action', highlighting the success of the Montreal Protocol. Key publications and awareness materials were released, including studies on low-GWP technologies, district cooling systems, and cold chain best practices.
• 51st Foundation Day of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)   on September 22, 2025. During the event, key initiatives included laying the foundation stone for CPCB's new headquarters, inaugurating regional laboratories in Pune and Shillong, launching SAMEER App 2.0. Technical publications released included "Classification of Polluted River Stretches, 2025" and a manual on identifying polluted water bodies using freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates.
• Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations were organized at FRI Campus, Dehradun on 6th October 2025. 5 National Level Projects for Species Conservation and Conflict Management, as well as, 4 National-level Action Plans & Field Guides for Species Population Assessments and Monitoring Programmes were launched during the event.
• International Snow Leopard Day was observed on October 23, 2025, with a unique initiative titled '#23for23', encouraging people across the country to engage in physical activities for 23 minutes to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile habitats.

12. Major Reforms by MoEFCC in 2025

12.1 Green Credit Programme (GCP) – Revised Framework

• Expanded participation to public and private entities for restoring degraded forest land.
• Restoration to be carried out directly by user agencies.
• Green Credits issued after 5 years of restoration on achieving ≥40% canopy density (1 credit per tree older than 5 years).
• Credits may be used once for:

o   Compensatory Afforestation (CA),

o   CSR obligations, or

o   Statutory plantation requirements.

12.2 Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025

• Expanded land bank creation in degraded/government/recorded forest lands (≤0.4 canopy).
• Afforestation created under govt. schemes can be used for CA.
• Streamlined approvals for critical, strategic, deep-seated and atomic mineral mining with enhanced CA norms.
•  Provision for extension of in-principle approval validity beyond 5 years.
•  No CA for underground mining without surface rights.
• Offline proposal submission allowed for defence/strategic/emergency projects.

12.3 Second Amendment to Rules, 2023 (Nov 2025)

The Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023 were amended enabling the Nodal Officer' of the State to mandatorily assist and facilitate the user agency in the identification of degraded forest land for compensatory afforestation.

12.4. Involvement of local forest officer in cases of land acquisition

Directions dated 13.11.2025 issued enjoining the project proponent to share copy of the land acquisition notification with the local Forest Department official so as to clearly delineate forest land at the time of acquiring land for any infrastructure project.

12.5 Reforms under Air Acts and Water Acts

12.5.1 Uniform Consent Reforms                           

• Nation-wide uniform guidelines for Consent to Establish/Operate across SPCBs/PCCs.
•  Industries with prior Environmental Clearance exempted from CTE.

  12.5.2  Industrial Classification & Compliance

• Revised industry classification (Red/Orange/Green/Blue/White) to encourage better compliance.
• States empowered to classify new sectors under White category.
• 86 sectors notified as White category — exempted from CTE/CTO.

12.6  Reforms on EPR and Circular Economy:

• As part of Circular Economy action plans, EPR regulations have been notified for eight waste categories, namely plastic packaging, e-waste, battery waste, used oil, waste tyres, end-of-life vehicles, construction & demolition waste, and scrap of non-ferrous metals.
• The following EPR regulations/ amendments in existing EPR regulations have been notified in 2025:
• • • Environment Protection (End-of-Life Vehicles) Rules, 2025 notified on 06.01.2025 for environmentally sound management of end-of-life vehicles.
    • Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025 notified on 04.04.2025 for environmentally sound management of construction and demolition waste.
    • “Extended Producer Responsibility for Scrap of Non-Ferrous Metals’’ notified on 01.07.2025 through amendment of Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 for environmentally sound management of scrap of non-ferrous metals.
    • Battery Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2025 notified on 24.02.2025 with respect to labelling of EPR registration number on batteries.
    • Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025 notified on 23.01.2025 with respect to labelling of EPR registration number. 

12.7 Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025:

Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, notified on 24.07.2025, provides a framework for identification, assessment and remediation of contaminated sites in the country.

12. 8 Major Reforms on Environmental Clearance Process for Ease of Doing Business

• Mining projects of minerals reclassified from ‘minor’ to ‘major’ by the Ministry of Mines, with lease area up to 5 hectares, shall be apprised as Category ‘B2’ under the EIA Notification, 2006.
• The EC framework for building construction projects has been rationalised by permitting changes in design and planning without requiring Environment clearance (EC) amendments.
•  Airport expansion and modernisation projects with valid ECs and no additional land requirement are now appraised as Category B2 projects, exempt from EIA and public hearings.
•  Green belt and green cover requirements for industrial estates/parks and individual industries have been rationalized based on pollution potential.
•  Delays arising from court or NCLT proceedings are excluded from EC validity period.
• The Environment Audit Rules, 2025, introduced a cadre of Certified Third-Party Environmental Auditors to conduct on-site verification and compliance audits under major environmental laws, reinforcing the government’s Trust Based Compliance – Ease of Doing Business.
• PARIVESH: PARIVESH 2.0 achieved complete automation in clearance management, providing an integrated digital platform for Environment, Forest, Wildlife, CRZ clearances.  It integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) for real-time decision support, improves transparency through online tracking, and facilitates Ease of Doing Business while ensuring accountability and environmental safeguards. By offering a single- window interface for project proponents, appraisal committees, and regulatory authorities, PARIVESH 2.0 strengthens the Government’s commitment to “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and promotes sustainable development.
• Integrated with PM Gatishakti NMP, NSWS (National Single Window System), CAMPA’s digital payment gateway, and QCI-NABET’s accreditation portal, PARIVESH embodies the whole-of-government approach envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The initiative not only improves Ease of Doing Business for industry but also advances India’s environmental governance through sustainability, precision, and citizen-centric design.

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GS/SK