Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is demonstrating how rapid development and environmental sustainability can progress together, highlighting the country’s efforts in renewable energy, clean mobility, water conservation and ecological agriculture.
Addressing the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, PM Modi said India’s longstanding cultural connection with nature continues to inform its approach towards addressing modern climate challenges.
The Prime Minister said India is working to provide solutions to contemporary environmental challenges while taking the world along in collective climate action.
India’s Climate Action
PM Modi said developing countries have often been unfairly held responsible for carbon emissions, while India’s per capita carbon emissions remain less than half the global average.
He said per capita emissions in developed countries are significantly higher than those in India and highlighted India’s efforts to raise the issue on international platforms.
The Prime Minister referred to initiatives including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance, International Big Cat Alliance and One Sun, One World, One Grid as examples of India’s efforts to promote global cooperation on environmental issues.
PM Modi said India has made significant progress across environmental sectors over the past 12 years, with renewable energy remaining a major focus.
He said India is the only G20 country to have achieved the climate commitments it made at the COP-21 Paris Summit ahead of schedule, while also making significant progress in non-fossil fuel and solar energy capacity.
Solar and Clean Energy Push
Highlighting India’s solar expansion, the Prime Minister said solar power capacity has increased from around 2 GW 12 years ago to more than 160 GW.
He said the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has helped solarise more than 50 lakh homes, with financial assistance of up to ₹80,000 per household.
Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, around 30 lakh farmers have received solar pumps, he said.
PM Modi also highlighted the completion of the One Nation-One Grid project, saying it has helped prevent an estimated 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
He said wind power capacity has also increased substantially, while hydropower has expanded and the government is focusing on nuclear energy and cleaner technologies such as coal gasification.
Focus on Green Mobility
PM Modi highlighted the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train, describing it as an important step towards clean transportation.
He also pointed to the rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption in the country, saying annual EV sales have increased from fewer than 3,000 before 2014 to around 25 lakh last year.
The Prime Minister said the FASTag system has reduced fuel wastage by cutting waiting time at toll plazas.
He also highlighted the expansion of India’s metro network. From around 250 kilometres across five cities in 2014, the metro network now extends across more than 20 cities and has crossed the 1,000-kilometre mark, according to his address.
The near-complete electrification of the Indian Railways and the development of dedicated freight corridors were also highlighted as measures contributing to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
PM Modi said around 5,000 kilometres of inland waterways are operational across the country, providing an alternative mode of freight transportation.
He said the developments across the mobility sector demonstrate that economic growth and environmental protection can advance together.
Water Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture
The Prime Minister highlighted the construction of more than 70,000 Amrit Sarovars and around 1.5 crore rainwater harvesting structures under the Catch the Rain campaign.
He said micro-irrigation initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the Per Drop, More Crop initiative are helping conserve water for more than two crore farmers.
PM Modi also highlighted India’s efforts to promote millets, or Shree Anna, which require comparatively less water. He said millet production has increased and exports have reached around 1.5 lakh tonnes.
He also referred to the establishment of around 24,000 natural farming clusters across 12.5 lakh hectares under the National Mission on Natural Farming.
The Prime Minister said around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed, while agro-forestry is being promoted to reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture.
Forest Cover and Waste Management
PM Modi said very dense forest cover has increased by more than 22 per cent over the past 12 years.
He also highlighted the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, under which citizens have participated in large-scale tree plantation activities.
On plastic pollution, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s efforts to curb single-use plastics and promote a circular economy based on reducing, reusing and recycling waste.
He cited the GOBARdhan scheme as an example of converting organic waste into useful resources, particularly in rural areas.
PM Modi said India’s environmental achievements should not be viewed only as domestic milestones but also as contributions towards addressing global climate and environmental challenges.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations at the conference would generate innovative solutions for present and future environmental challenges and reiterated India’s commitment to building a responsible and sustainable future.
