The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) stands as a vital component within the framework of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Its primary objective is to safeguard, regenerate, and enrich India’s forest cover while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. The mission actively engages in plantation initiatives across both forested and non-forested areas within selected landscapes, aiming for holistic environmental restoration and adaptation.
Since its inception in the fiscal year 2015-16, the GIM has been instrumental in initiating its activities across seventeen states, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
To support the implementation of GIM’s initiatives, the Ministry has released a substantial central share amounting to Rs 16.32 Crore during the fiscal year 2019-20. This funding was specifically allocated to the State of Kerala, aligning with the approved Annual Plan of Operation for that year. Remarkably, the state of Kerala has effectively utilized this fund allocation until the financial year 2023-24.
This pivotal information was disclosed by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, in a written reply delivered in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the tangible progress and substantial utilization of allocated resources by the State of Kerala towards the mission’s objectives.
The Green India Mission stands as a beacon of hope in India’s environmental conservation efforts. Through strategic intervention and concerted efforts across states, this mission embodies the nation’s commitment to combating climate change while fostering sustainable growth and ecological balance.
The mission’s multifaceted approach encompasses various activities, including afforestation, reforestation, soil and moisture conservation, biodiversity conservation, and more. These initiatives not only aim to enhance forest cover but also contribute significantly to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
As the country grapples with the challenges posed by environmental degradation and climate change, initiatives like the National Mission for a Green India serve as fundamental pillars in fostering a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. The proactive engagement of states and the efficient utilization of allocated resources, as seen in Kerala, underscore the mission’s effectiveness and its potential to drive transformative change across the nation.
It remains imperative for all stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, environmental organizations, and citizens, to continue collaborating and supporting initiatives like the GIM to ensure the successful realization of India’s goals in forest conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Through collective efforts and unwavering commitment, India can pave the way towards a greener and more resilient future for generations to come.