Union Minister outlines new policy push, unveils plans for National Adaptation Plan

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday urged global stakeholders to embed sustainability at the core of development, stressing the need for resilience, regeneration and responsibility as guiding values for the future.

Speaking at the 20th Global Sustainability Summit, organised by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, Yadav said India’s development model balances economic progress with ecological stewardship. “Sustainability should not be considered as a goal or an objective. I believe it is a lifestyle choice, an evolving commitment to be resilient, regenerative, and responsible,” he told delegates from over 10 countries.

The minister outlined recent policy measures taken by the government, including the Environment Audit Rules 2025 to strengthen environmental accountability, a revised Green Credit Programme methodology to boost private sector participation in climate action, and amendments to the Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Rules 2023 to streamline approvals for critical mineral mining under the newly launched National Critical Mineral Mission.

Yadav emphasised that the Environment Audit Rules will create a two-tier auditor system with oversight by a dedicated agency. On the Green Credit Programme, he noted that the revised framework enables direct participation by private entities and mobilises private capital for eco-restoration. The amendments to forest rules, he said, are aimed at achieving self-reliance in the critical mineral sector while balancing ecological safeguards.

Highlighting India’s broader climate achievements, Yadav said the country has “emerged as the fastest-growing major economy while also leading global efforts on climate action.” He pointed to progress in expanding renewable energy capacity, advancing circular economy practices, promoting corporate accountability through ESG indicators, and enhancing carbon sinks through initiatives such as Mission “Life and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.”

The minister also announced the upcoming launch of India’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which he described as a blueprint for embedding adaptation into development policies across sectors. “Driven by science-led evidence and guided by grassroot realities, NAP will contribute to build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities to climate-related risks,” he said.

Calling on global and industry leaders to align growth strategies with sustainability, Yadav concluded, “By embracing resilience, regeneration and responsibility, let us chart a course towards a more sustainable world.”