Why in NEWS
On 17th June 2025, observed globally as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the revised Green India Mission (GIM) plan for 2021–2030. The revision aims to enhance India’s climate resilience and carbon sink targets through ecosystem-based forest restoration.
Key Concepts Simplified
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green India Mission (GIM) | One of 8 missions under NAPCC focusing on forest-based adaptation and mitigation of climate change |
| World Day to Combat Desertification | Observed annually on 17th June to promote sustainable land management |
| UNCCD | United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification – legally binding global treaty adopted in 1994 |
| Carbon Sink | A system (like forests) that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits |
| NAPCC | National Action Plan on Climate Change – India’s policy framework to address climate change challenges |
Green India Mission: Old vs. Revised Plan
| Aspect | GIM 2014 | Revised GIM (2021–2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Vision | Forest cover restoration for climate adaptation and mitigation | Same vision, aligned with India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement |
| Targets | 5 mha afforestation, 5 mha forest quality improvement, 50–60 MT CO₂ sequestration annually | 24–25 mha afforestation/restoration; 1 mha directly treated by GIM; 3.39 BT CO₂ sink potential |
| Focus Areas | General afforestation | Landscape-based restoration: Aravallis, Himalayas, mangroves, arid zones |
| Sub-Missions | 5 components – forest cover, ecosystem restoration, urban greening, agro-forestry, wetlands | 3 components – forest quality, afforestation, livelihood for forest-dependent communities |
| Monitoring | Ground surveys, remote sensing by FSI | 5-tier system – GIS dashboard, social audits, satellite monitoring, self-assessment, third-party evaluation |
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
| Mission | Focus |
|---|---|
| National Solar Mission | Promote solar energy use |
| National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency | Increase energy efficiency |
| National Mission on Sustainable Habitat | Urban sustainability and waste management |
| National Water Mission | Improve water use efficiency |
| National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem | Protect Himalayan environment |
| National Mission for A Green India | Forest restoration and ecosystem services |
| National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture | Climate-resilient farming |
| National Mission on Strategic Knowledge | Climate research and capacity building |
Government Initiatives to Boost Forest Cover
| Initiative | Objective |
|---|---|
| National Afforestation Programme (NAP) | Launched in 2000, now merged with GIM to regenerate degraded forests |
| Nagar Van Yojana (2020) | Develop 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatikas in cities by 2025 |
| CAMPA | Compensatory afforestation to offset forest land loss; 90% funds to states, 10% retained by Centre |
| Convergence Schemes | Implemented alongside MGNREGS, National Bamboo Mission, Sub-Mission on Agroforestry |
| CSR and NGOs | Private, civil society, and state contributions also support afforestation efforts |
In a Nutshell – Memory Code: “GROW-GREEN”
G – Green India Mission revised
R – Restore forests, revive ecosystems
O – Offset CO₂ through afforestation
W – World Day links mission to desertification goals
G – GIS and ground audits for monitoring
R – Regional focus on vulnerable landscapes
E – Ecosystem-based livelihood support
E – Enhanced convergence with rural schemes
N – NDC-aligned national carbon sink goals
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following is NOT one of the components under the revised Green India Mission?
A. Urban greening
B. Forest quality improvement
C. Ecosystem restoration
D. Livelihood support for forest communities - The Green India Mission is one of the missions under:
A. National Environment Policy
B. National Forest Policy
C. National Action Plan on Climate Change
D. National Biodiversity Action Plan - CAMPA funds are primarily used for:
A. Wildlife relocation
B. Offset forest loss from development projects
C. Renewable energy generation
D. River cleaning initiatives
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the importance of the revised Green India Mission in meeting India’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement. How does it integrate conservation with livelihood enhancement?
- Evaluate the role of convergence and monitoring mechanisms in ensuring the success of forest restoration programmes like the Green India Mission and CAMPA.
Answer Key with Explanation
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | Urban greening was part of the 2014 GIM, not the revised version |
| 2 | C | GIM is one of the 8 missions under NAPCC |
| 3 | B | CAMPA offsets forest loss due to development by supporting compensatory afforestation |
