The year 2023 saw India taking/tweaking policies across various sectors to fast-track climate action. Here is a list of the most relevant ones that marked the government’s intent toward climate action in the year:
1. National Electricity Plan 2023 (NEP 2023):
Adopted in May 2023, NEP aims to:
i. Set an ambitious target of adding 500 GW of non-fossil power capacity by 2030, including 311 GW of solar and 82 GW of wind
ii. Focuses on grid modernization and energy storage to integrate renewables effectively
iii. Reduce the carbon footprint of the power sector and promote clean energy transition
2. National Green Hydrogen Mission:
Launched in August 2023, the policy is aimed :
i. To produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030
ii. Increase investments in green hydrogen production, electrolyzer manufacturing, and research and development
iii. Aims to decarbonize industries like steel, refineries, and fertilizer production
3. Amended Energy Conservation Act:
Strengthened in July 2023, the act includes:
i. Stringent energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings, and industries
ii. Mandatory energy audits for large energy consumers
iii. Incentives for adopting energy-efficient technologies
iv. Aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
4. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) Revision:
The revised NMSA aims to:
i. Focus on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient agriculture practices like crop diversification, soil health improvement, and water conservation
ii. Promotion of organic farming and low-carbon agricultural technologies
iii. Enhance food security and reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint
5. Electric vehicles (EVs):
The government of India continues to incentivize EV adoption through subsidies like production-linked incentives, the FAME-II schemes, and lower GST rates to boost EV adoption. Overall, the aim is to:
i. Accelerate India’s transition to clean mobility
ii. Reduce emissions from the transportation sector
6. Waste management:
Amendments to Plastic Waste Management Rules (April 2023), Extended Producer Responsibility for Used Oil (September 2023), E-Waste (Management) Rules (January 2023), and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aim to reduce pollution and promote a circular economy.
The amendments are aimed at:
i. Phase-out of single-use plastic items like carry bags, straws, and cups
ii. EPR for plastic packaging, making manufacturers responsible for collection and recycling
iii. Streamlined collection and recycling of e-waste through Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
iv. Introduce take-back obligation for manufacturers
v. Prevent illegal dumping and ensure proper e-waste management
vi. Introduce EPR for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and other devices
vii. Mandatory collection and recycling of used batteries
viii. Prevent environmental pollution and ensure sustainable battery life cycle management
ix. Stricter emission standards for industries, vehicles, and power plants
x. Graded action plans for polluted cities to improve air quality
xi. Reduce air pollution and improve public health
7. National Water Mission:
The National Water Mission (NWM) aims to promote climate-resilient practices like:
i. Water conservation
ii. Increase investments in rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation systems
iii. Interlinking rivers and improving water quality
iv. Address water scarcity and ensure sustainable water management
8. Forest cover and conservation:
India saw improved forest cover in the current year due to initiatives like the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
India submitted its updated Second Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the UNFCCC in 2023, providing a comprehensive overview of its climate actions and emissions profile. This shows India’s focus on building transparency in climate reporting, which is crucial for international collaboration and accountability.
India’s commitment to climate action and a sustainable future is gaining momentum, though the full impact of these policies will take time to be realized.
Their effectiveness will depend on proper implementation, monitoring, and public participation. It’s crucial to stay informed and engaged in the fight for a greener future.