In a significant push to enhance conservation efforts across India, the central government has increased the budget for the Union Ministry of Environment by 9%, allocating Rs.3,412.82 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26. This increase, up from Rs.3,125.96 crore in 2024-25, reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation of natural resources.
The Union Budget 2025 presents a comprehensive approach towards protecting India’s biodiversity, expanding forest cover, and safeguarding ecosystems. The focus areas include wildlife protection, preventing forest fires, and ensuring the sustainable management of aquatic resources. This year’s budget is an important step towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
One of the major allocations in the budget is for the National Mission for a Green India, which plays a crucial role in expanding India’s forest cover, protecting existing forests, and preventing wildfires. The mission’s budget has been increased to Rs.220 crore in 2025-26, compared to Rs.160 crore last year, marking a significant commitment to forest conservation. This initiative aims to strengthen efforts to combat climate change by ensuring the long-term health of forest ecosystems.
In addition to forest conservation, the Union Budget 2025 also emphasizes the importance of preserving India’s rich biodiversity. The allocation for natural resource and ecosystem conservation has increased from Rs.30 crore in 2024-25 to Rs.50 crore in 2025-26. This funding will support a range of projects aimed at preserving the country’s unique ecosystems, from grasslands to wetlands, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
Biodiversity conservation efforts have received a major boost with a nearly threefold increase in the budget for the Biodiversity Conservation Programme. The program’s funding has been raised from Rs.3.5 crore in the previous year to Rs.10 crore, signaling the government’s commitment to protecting India’s diverse flora and fauna. This increase will help fund projects that focus on habitat restoration and the conservation of endangered species.
The allocation for aquatic ecosystems has also been significantly raised. The government has earmarked Rs.35 crore for this purpose in 2025-26, compared to Rs.23.5 crore last year. This funding is critical for the conservation of rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, which face growing threats from pollution and overexploitation.
India’s iconic wildlife also benefits from the increased funding. The budgets for Project Tiger and Project Elephant, both essential for protecting endangered species and their habitats, have seen substantial increases. Project Tiger’s funding has risen from Rs.245 crore to Rs.290 crore, while Project Elephant’s allocation has been boosted to support the conservation of elephant populations and their habitats.
The increase in funding for environmental and conservation projects in the Union Budget 2025 reflects the government’s understanding of the pressing need to address environmental challenges. The focus on forest and biodiversity conservation, along with enhanced funding for wildlife protection, aims to strengthen India’s role in global environmental efforts.
The 9% increase in the Environment Ministry’s budget is a clear message that environmental sustainability is a top priority for the government. As India faces increasing pressures from urbanization, industrialization, and climate change, these investments will play a crucial role in preserving the country’s natural resources for future generations.
In conclusion, the Union Budget 2025 marks a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability in India. With increased funding for critical conservation projects, the government is signaling its commitment to protecting the nation’s ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity. This comprehensive approach will help ensure that India continues to prioritize environmental conservation while promoting sustainable development.
