Several programmes were initiated across sectors, including green fuel, energy, mobility, farming, equipment and buildings 

Towards a more environmentally friendly future and sustainable development, with an emphasis on reaching net-zero status by 2070, India made notable progress in 2018. Every year, campaigns were launched to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and advance sustainable lifestyles. The Union Budget for 2023–2024 emphasised the need of sustainable development in achieving the Amrit Kaal era’s objective of India@100.

Numerous industry-specific initiatives encompassing green fuel, energy, mobility, farming, equipment and structures were unveiled. Regulations were developed to improve energy efficiency across several economic sectors. India introduced major initiatives to meet clean energy targets and cut carbon emissions in the fiscal year 2023–2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Green Credit Programme (GCP) during the COP28 summit in December 2023.

The GCP promotes voluntary environmental acts that lead to the issuance of green credits as part of the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) campaign. In the initial stages, forest departments oversee tree plantations on degraded wasteland and provide incentives for local governments, businesses and individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Under the GOBARdhan project, India is setting up 500 “waste-to-wealth” plants to manage organic waste and produce biogas in an effort to address waste management. To create Circular Economy (CE) and Action Plans for waste types such Li-ion batteries, e-waste and hazardous industrial waste, eleven committees have been established.

To accelerate the transition to a circular economy and the achievement of climate goals, several regulations have been amended. These include the Plastic Waste Management, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Used Oil and E-Waste (Management) Rules. A worldwide alliance on land restoration, the Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition and high-level principles for a sustainable and resilient blue ocean-based economy were among the climate change efforts started during India’s G20 presidency. Nine broad high-level principles were adopted by the G20 countries.

The government evaluated over 100 cities under Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan to enhance air quality comprehensively and also monitored 131 non-attainment cities for air quality under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The ambitious aims to develop renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 were set in the Union Budget for 203–24. After exceeding its initial targets, India established new objectives, such as lowering the GDP’s carbon footprint by 45 per cent by 2030 and obtaining 50 percent of installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based resources.

The government bolstered programmes including the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity Conservation and Battery Storage in accordance with these goals.