Yadav calls for policy action, innovation and citizen participation for sustainability

Union Environment Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav underlined the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. GDP & economic growth is not inherently problematic if paired with mindful consumption, added Yadav while addressing a forum on Thursday in Delhi.

Yadav emphasised that India’s development goals are fully aligned with its environmental responsibilities and reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. He outlined how India is shifting away from the traditional “take, make, waste” model towards a circular economy driven by the principles of recycle, reduce and reuse.

While speaking, the minister highlighted the importance of policy-level interventions, ecological responsibility and technological innovation, supported by public participation, in addressing environmental challenges. Referring to India’s ‘green card policy’ initiative, Yadav stressed the need to involve citizens in sustainable practices and environmental decision-making.

Addressing Climate Change
On the issue of climate change, Yadav acknowledged the growing frequency of extreme weather events, citing instances such as landslides in Himachal Pradesh and cloudbursts in Uttarakhand. He underlined the importance of capacity building in areas such as disaster management, urban planning and engineering to better respond to future environmental risks.

He also spoke about improving waste management systems, noting that solid waste remains a significant challenge in India’s sustainability journey. He pointed towards the need for more robust waste segregation and recycling infrastructure.

Forest Conservation And Biodiversity
Yadav reaffirmed India’s commitment to forest conservation and biodiversity, noting the country’s regular forest surveys and international initiatives like the Big Cat Alliance. “Forest is a whole ecological balance,” he said, adding that green cover is being expanded using technology to support biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.

In response to questions on regulatory reforms, Yadav indicated that efforts are underway to streamline environmental clearances at both central and state levels to ensure faster approvals without compromising environmental safeguards. Earlier, on average, clearances took 600 days but this government has reduced it to 75 days. He also acknowledged the challenges of bringing all sectors under a green economy but said that this transition is essential for long-term sustainability.