Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday, 1 February 2026, commended the Union Budget 2026–27, describing it as youth-centric and a decisive step towards building a Developed India (Viksit Bharat) by balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability. He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the Budget reflects a clear commitment to environmentally responsible development.
A People’s Budget Aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047
The Union Budget, presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, lays a strong foundation for environmentally sound growth in a fast-expanding economy. Shri Yadav said the Budget mirrors the aspirations of every Indian for a safe, secure, and prosperous future, while empowering the poor, farmers, youth, women, the middle class, and entrepreneurs. He termed it a true people’s Budget that charts a balanced and inclusive development pathway towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Strong Focus on Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Highlighting the Budget’s environmental thrust, Shri Yadav noted key initiatives aimed at conservation and global biodiversity protection. These include the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance and the hosting of the first-ever Global Big Cat Summit in India this year—significant steps in strengthening India’s leadership in wildlife conservation.
Nature-Based Tourism to Promote Conservation and Livelihoods
The Budget places special emphasis on nature-based tourism as a tool for conservation and local development. Shri Yadav said ‘Turtle Trails’ will be developed at turtle nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, while new bird-watching trails will be established around Pulicat Lake. These initiatives are expected to raise public awareness about biodiversity protection, foster community participation, and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Rare-Earth Corridors and Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Under the proposed Rare-Earth Corridors, dedicated zones will be developed in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to promote sustainable mining and manufacturing of rare earth elements, reducing import dependence.
The Budget also announces a six-year mission to develop climate-resilient seeds for pulses such as tur, urad, and masoor, aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and resilience to climate change.
Water Resources, Fisheries, and Urban Sustainability
Shri Yadav highlighted the proposal for integrated development of 500 reservoirs to strengthen the fisheries value chain, enhancing incomes and food security. Additionally, an Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore has been announced to finance practical urban projects, including sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Decarbonisation and Green Manufacturing Push
To accelerate decarbonisation, the Budget earmarks ₹20,000 crore over the next five years for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, reinforcing India’s commitment to its Paris Agreement obligations on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The National Manufacturing Mission has also been expanded to develop a domestic ecosystem for EV batteries, solar PV cells, electrolyzers, and wind turbines, supporting green mobility and clean energy transitions.
Low-Carbon Logistics Through National Waterways
Over the next five years, 20 new national waterways will be made operational, a move expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of logistics and promote eco-friendly transport across the country.
Conclusion
Summing up, Shri Bhupender Yadav said the Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a harmonious balance between ‘Prakriti’ and ‘Pragati’, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of the environment. With its strong focus on sustainability, green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and youth empowerment, the Budget positions India among a select group of nations where economic progress and ecological protection advance together, firmly aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
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Source: PIB
