India signed the Paris Agreement on 22 April, 2016 and ratified it on 2 October, 2016.

India’s INDC includes the following proposals:

1. To put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation.
2. To adopt a climate-friendly and cleaner path than the one followed hitherto by others at the corresponding level of economic development.
3. To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030 from the 2005 level.
4. To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 with the help of the transfer of technology and low-cost international finance including from Green Climate Fund.
5. To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
6. To better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programs in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management.
7. To mobilize domestic and new & additional funds from developed countries to implement the above mitigation and adaptation actions in view of the resource required and the resource gap.
8. To build capacities, create a domestic framework and international architecture for quick diffusion of cutting edge climate technology in India and for joint collaborative R&D for such future technologies.

Full details of India’s INDC are available here.

The policy documents like Vision 2030 and India@75 guide the overall policy developments in India. These policies emphasize addressing the issues of climate change and environmental conservation largely through measures like electric mobility, clean energy, energy efficiency, clean air and water and preservation of the forest. Aspects like clean and efficient energy systems, resilient urban infrastructure and planned eco-restoration are also a very important part of the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) Campaign, a flagship program recently launched by the Government of India (“Government”).

In the last few decades, India has issued multiple policies that deal with various aspects largely concerned with the issue of climate change.

The overarching policy framework in India that deals with issues of environmental conservation are the National Environment Policy, 2006, which promotes sustainable development along with respect for ecological constraints and the imperatives of social justice through economic growth.

Forest

The National Forest Policy, 1988 deals with various issues of forest conservation and management in India. This policy targets to increase India’s forest cover to 33.3 percent of the geographical area. In 2018, the Government had released the Draft National Forest Policy, 2018, but it has not been finalized yet.

Missions to address climate change

The government has launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change, 2008 ("NAPCC"), which highlights 8 National Missions that outline priorities for mitigation and adaptation to combat climate change. These include – the National Solar Mission, the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, the National Water Mission, the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, the National Mission for a Green India, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change. These National Missions are supplemented by actions of the State governments and Union Territories, which have put in place their respective State Action Plan on Climate Change with the goal of mainstreaming climate change concerns in their planning process.

Under the NAPCC, Government has set the target of achieving installed capacity of renewable energy generation of 175 GW by 2022 and 450 GW by 2030. Out of 175 GW, 100 GW is to be made from solar PV power, 60 GW from wind power, 10 GW from bioenergy and 5 GW from small hydropower.

Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency

There are different policy instruments that inter alia deal with universal access to electricity, energy efficiency and promotion of renewable energy sources. National Electricity Policy, 2005 underscores the focus on universalizing access to electricity and promoting renewable sources of energy. Similarly, Integrated Energy Policy 2008, aims to reliably meet the demand for energy services of all sectors (including the energy needs of vulnerable households) with safe, clean and convenient energy at the least cost.

India’s National Electricity Plan, 2018 aims to generate 47% of its total power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2027, and intends to promote clean energy production through technology improvement in the coal sector and installation of renewable energy sources. Apart from this, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (“BEE”) under the Ministry of Power has initiated various initiatives to ensure energy efficiency in industries, household lighting, commercial buildings, etc. apart from providing standards and labeling of products. BEE Star Label Scheme provides the energy-saving potential of a product to the customer. The Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017 prescribes optimum building specifications and features for large commercial buildings.

In order to achieve its renewable energy targets, in May 2018, Government announced the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy to promote large grid-connected wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid systems as well as new technologies and methods for combining wind and solar. Similarly, the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, 2016 has also been released to promote offshore wind power parks in India.

India is the first country in the world to develop a Cooling Action Plan which intends to cut direct and indirect emissions from the operation of different cooling devices in India. This plan has been launched with a long-term vision, and it seeks to address cooling requirements across different sectors and lists out actions that can help reduce the cooling demand from energy-intensive devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.

Ministry of Power, Government of India has recently released the Draft National Electricity Policy, 2021 to further guide future energy developments in India through measures like clean and sustainable generation of electricity, energy efficiency norms, electric mobility, etc. It has inter alia proposed various measures like strict environmental norms for coal-based thermal power plants; promotion of hybrid renewable technology like solar wind, solar-biomass, etc.; establishment and expansion of the charging infrastructure for wider acceptance of electric vehicles; and robust development of market-based schemes to promote renewable energy. This draft has not been finalized yet.

Air pollution

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched (“MoEFCC”), the ministry responsible to enforce environmental regulations in India, launched the National Clean Air Program in January 2019. This program is a national-level strategy for actions required to reduce the levels of air pollution at the city and regional levels in India. The program aims to ensure a 20-30% reduction of particulate matter concentration by 2024.

Resource efficiency and circular economy

The government released the Draft National Resource Efficiency Policy in 2019 to ensure efficient use of resources in the economy. It emphasizes the principle of 6R (reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, remanufacture and refurbish) for efficient use of material and resources. However, this draft has not been finalised yet.

With an objective to give a further boost to resource and energy efficiency and to prevent wastage of materials, the Government has released certain policies on the principle of the circular economy. The NITI Aayog (Government’s think-tank) has released policies identifying the sectors that can make good use of resources by recycling them through modern technology. Besides, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (“MeitY”) has also released a draft policy paper titled “Circular Economy in Electronics and Electrical Sector - A Policy Paper and Action Plan” to ensure implementation of the circular economy in the electronics and electrical sector.

In so far as the national long-term Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions reduction targets are concerned, India has pledged to reduce GHG emissions per unit GDP by 33-35% over 2005 levels by 2030.

While there is no dedicated legislation limiting or prohibiting the use of fossil fuels, India has adopted policy measures to impose taxes or cess and withdrawal of subsidies on fossil fuels to discourage their unabated use.

India levies GST Compensation Cess (earlier called as “clean energy cess”) of INR 400 (USD 5.48, as of 9 June 2021) on each tonne of produced and imported coal. In 2014, India also introduced an implicit carbon tax of USD 140 per tonne of CO2 on petrol and USD 64 per tonne of CO2 on diesel. These policies were intended to optimize the use of fossil fuels in India.

Further, to ensure rational consumption of fossil fuels, India has been consistently reducing subsidies for coal, petrol, diesel, kerosene and gasoline. In FY 2014, India’s oil and gas subsidies stood at INR 157,678 crore (USD 26 billion) which were by far the largest of all energy subsidies in India. However, in FY 2016, these subsidies were reduced by almost three quarters to INR 44,654 crore (USD 6.8 billion).

India does not have one umbrella legislation related to climate change. Rather, the following legislations deal with aspects related to climate change:

1. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (“EPA”): This Act is umbrella legislation that empowers the Union Government to take measures necessary to protect and improve the quality of the environment by inter alia setting standards for emissions or discharge of pollutants; regulating the location of industries; management of hazardous wastes, and to make rules/regulations on these aspects.

Under the EPA, certain subordinate legislation have been issued. The Coastal Zone Regulation Notification, 2011 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 limit the extent to which industries can carry out projects in ecologically sensitive areas. Besides, various subordinate legislations have been enacted that regulate the collection, management and recycling of different types of waste. These include the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, e-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, Plastic Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, Hazardous and Other Wastes (Managements) Rules, 2016, Bio-medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2016, etc.

2. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This Act provides the framework for the prevention and control of water pollution in India.
3. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This Act provides for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
4. Forest (Conservation) Act 1980: This Act aims at the conservation of forests in India, with any project seeking diversion of the forest land for non-forest purposes requiring prior clearance from the Government.
5. Biological Diversity Act, 2002: This Act aims at the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
6. National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: This Act provides for the establishment of the National Green Tribunal for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation.
7. The Energy Conservation Act, 2001: This Act was enacted to encourage efficient use of energy and its conservation.
8. Motor vehicle Act, 1988: This Act governs different aspects related to motor vehicles like licensing of drivers of vehicles, registration of motor vehicles, fuel efficiency standards, monitoring of pollution by vehicles, etc.

India’s first cap-and-trade Emissions Trading Scheme ("ETS") was launched in its pilot phase in 2019 in the state of Gujarat in India, wherein the Gujarat Pollution Control Board will set the emissions cap on all industries within the state. This is the world’s first emissions trading scheme to target air particulate pollution.

India’s Perform Achieve and Trade ("PAT") initiative also resemble an ETS, wherein intensity-based energy targets have been set for various sectors of industry. PAT is a market-based energy efficiency trading mechanism that is designed to achieve emissions reduction in energy-intensive industries and aims to decrease the specific energy consumption in various sectors of industry. Energy Saving Certificates ("ESCerts") are issued to consumers who overachieve the target. ESCerts can be sold to another company that failed to achieve the assigned efficiency target through specified exchanges.

The scheme is currently in its sixth cycle now and covers 1,073 energy-intensive industries/establishments from 13 sectors. PAT differs from traditional cap-and-trade systems as it sets intensity-based energy targets.

India also has a Renewable Energy Certificate ("REC") trading system, which is a non-ETS, market-based mechanism to promote renewable sources of energy and address climate change. Indian electricity regulators issue Renewable Purchase Obligation ("RPO") for specified entities. Under the RPO, these entities are required to source a certain share of their energy requirements from renewable energy sources. They are required to purchase the RECs from renewable energy producers to meet their RPO.

Further, India also participates in the trading of Certified Emission Reduction Certificates under the Clean Development Mechanism. India has earned the second largest number of certificates under this mechanism by investing in projects to reduce GHG emissions. India can sell these certificates to other countries to finance its low-carbon intensive initiatives.

Moreover, Draft National Electricity Policy, 2021 also proposes a system for Hydropower Purchase Obligations for a period up to 2029-30. Detailed guidelines for this will be provided by the Ministry of Power.

Additionally, India along with the Partnership for Market Readiness (World Bank) is also in the process of launching a pilot project to develop market-based mechanisms for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (“MSME”) sector and the Waste sector. These sectors largely rely on outdated, energy inefficient technologies and are uncovered by existing market–based climate policies.

India has a nationwide carbon tax of INR 400 (USD 5.48, as of 9 June 2021) per tonne of coal both produced and imported into India. Besides, in 2014, India also imposed an implicit carbon tax on petrol and diesel.

There is no legislation for the regulation or subsidization of CCS.

However, private parties have, in recent years, started deploying CCS technology at their firms. These technologies are still at the very initial stage in India. Some industries like refineries and steel have undertaken small-scale CCS in India, whereas some more industries are in the process of setting up such facilities. These CCS projects are a crucial part of industries to attain carbon neutrality. Innovations in the technology sector in India are aiming to produce low-cost CCS technology that can be carried on independent of government subsidies.

India has adopted subsidies and schemes for several renewable energy projects. Some of these include:

1. Government offers central financial assistance for different solar energy projects like establishment of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Parks; setting up of Grid Connected Solar Rooftop in residential buildings; installation of off-Grid solar devices and solar-based LED lights; use of solar power pumps in the farm for irrigation, etc.
2. Similarly, such central financial assistance is also provided by Government for the establishment of Wind Energy Parks and Wind-Solar Hybrid Energy Parks; small hydro projects; projects for the development of energy from urban, industrial and agricultural waste; and bio-mass energy generation projects.

The detailed scope of the central financial assistance can be accessed at: https://mnre.gov.in/

3. Several State Governments in India also offer different incentives to industries intending to produce or use renewable energy sources.
4. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, a Government-supported agency has also announced several schemes to support the promotion of renewable energy projects in India.
5. The government has also launched different schemes for introducing energy-efficient technologies and enhancing the use of renewable energy technologies in the energy-intensive MSME sector. These support schemes have been described in response to Question 11.
6. In the agriculture sector, Government operates a scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers to promote the use of solar-power pumps for irrigation instead of diesel-run irrigation pumps and motors. Besides, India’s National Bank for Agriculture and Development (“NABARD”) also has a number of initiatives to support projects for the reduction of emissions, use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in the agriculture sector.
7. The government has also announced a Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the promotion of domestic manufacturing of “high-efficiency Solar PV” modules as well as manufacturing of “advanced chemistry cell battery storage”, both of which are critical equipment for the renewable energy sector.
8. To facilitate the financing of renewable energy projects, the Reserve Bank of India has included the small renewable energy sector under its Priority Sector Lending scheme. Under this scheme, firms and households intending to use or produce the renewable sector are eligible for loans at relatively better terms.
9. The government has set up two funds to support its initiative for clean power. National Clean Energy and Environment Fund provides financial support to research and innovative projects related to clean energy technology. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) aims to address the cost of adopting cleaner technology in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water and forestry through grants to the State Governments for implementing such projects.
10. An Indian infrastructure financing firm, India Infrastructure Finance Corporation Limited, has launched a ‘credit enhancement scheme’ to support companies issuing bonds to finance their infrastructure projects. Recently, this scheme has been used for supporting Indian companies issuing green bonds to finance their renewable energy projects.
11. The government of India has in the past collaborated with the Asian Development Bank to operate partial risk guarantee facility schemes to support solar energy projects in India. In 2011, India Solar Generation Guarantee Facility was launched for this purpose.
12. Solar Energy Corporation of India, a public sector undertaking of India, has also launched different schemes to encourage private power developers to set up or operate solar power projects in India.
13. In the electric vehicle sector, the Government has launched the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (“FAME”) scheme to enhance the flow of credit for electric vehicle manufacturing and adoption; reduce the up-front purchase price of all vehicles, and develop the infrastructure (such as charging stations) to encourage green vehicle production and sale in India.
14. Similarly, to encourage the purchase of electric cars, the State Bank of India has introduced a ‘green car loans’ scheme with a lower interest rate and longer repayment window as compared to the existing car loan schemes.

The government of India in recent times has taken various measures to reduce GHG emissions or to improve the energy efficiency of the built areas. Some of them are:

Urban areas

1. Under the Smart Cities Mission, 100 smart cities are planned with the objective to develop new generation cities, which will provide core infrastructure and smart solutions like recycling and reuse of waste, use of renewables, protection of the sensitive natural environment, etc.
2. The government has launched the Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0 to provide a roadmap for cities for combating climate change. This framework assists them in making plans as well as in their implementation while inculcating a “climate-sensitive” approach to urban planning and development.
3. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation has been launched by the Government of India for 500 cities to ensure basic infrastructure services such as water supply, sewerage, stormwater drains, transport, and development of green spaces, and parks by adopting climate-resilient and energy-efficient policies and regulations.

Sanitation

4. The Government has launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ("Clean India Mission") to implement modern and scientific solid waste management in towns. Part of the Swachh Bharat Mission is also to build household toilets and community and public toilets, and to induce behavioural change with respect to healthy sanitation practices. It also seeks to expand and modernise the available sanitation facilities as well as waste management infrastructure.

Energy conservation and efficiency

5. Government has launched a programme to generate power or biogas/biomethane or bio-CNG from agricultural, urban, industrial and municipal solid wastes. A total of 216 such plants with aggregate capacity of 370.45 MWeq. have been set up in India. The Government is also encouraging the conversion of waste to compost by linking it with the sale of fertilizers and providing market development assistance.
6. Government has launched different schemes to promote the use of LED lights in India. Such schemes include Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All for distribution of LED bulbs to households; Street Lighting National Programme for LED bulbs installation in streets; and Atal Jyoti Yojana (Atal Light Plan) for use of solar-based LED lights in streets.
7. Government has launched schemes to achieve universalisation of electricity by connecting the hitherto unconnected rural areas and households with electricity grid connection. Such schemes are Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (Rural Electrification Plan) for electrification of all rural areas; and Saubhagya for providing electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural and urban areas. These schemes are expected to largely reduce dependence on energy inefficient and polluting biomass resources like cow dungs, firewood, etc. for energy production.
8. Government has also launched a programme to provide subsidized LPG connection to households in rural areas under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

Building and construction sector

9. National Building Code, 2016 is a comprehensive building code that provides guidelines for regulating construction activities across the country. Among other objectives, it also promotes “sustainability in buildings and built environment in tandem with relevant sustainable development goals”. Similarly, Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017 also emphasises on the use of technology to reduce the energy consumption commercial building and to promote low carbon growth.
10. Government has also launched the Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme to transform commercial buildings in India into energy efficient complexes. Until February, 2020, 10,344 buildings including railway stations and airports have been covered under this project.
11. Government has also developed a voluntary Star Rating Program for commercial buildings which is based on the performance of the building in terms of its energy usage.
12. Eco-Niwas Samhita, 2018 has been launched as energy efficiency code for residential buildings in India. Similarly, Government has also launched the Design Guidelines for Energy Efficient Multi-Storey Residential Buildings, 2014 and Energy Efficiency Label for Residential Buildings, 2019 to promoting energy efficiency in residential buildings.
13. Initiative to Promote Habitat Energy Efficiency (I-PHEE), 2017 has also been launched focusing on promoting research and development activities to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and cities.
14. India has developed its own building-energy rating system Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment ("GRIHA"), based on 34 criteria like site planning, conservation and efficient utilization of resources, etc.

Some of the key steps taken to reduce GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency in the transport sector include:

Railway

1. Indian Railways has launched the scheme for the installation of solar power panels on the railway land and the roofs of train coaches. It has also determined to ensure that at least 10% of its energy requirements is sourced from renewable sources of energy.
2. The government has announced that it intends to increase the share of railways in total land transportation from 36% to 45% by 2030, in order to decrease the load on less efficient diesel-operated road traffic.
3. In order to reduce the use of diesel and coal for railway operations, a large part of the country’s railway network has been electrified. Railway aims to achieve complete electrification of its network by the year 2023.
4. Indian Railways is in the process of making plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
5. Indian Railways has announced that it aims to achieve a blending of at least 5% biodiesel with high-speed diesel.
6. Indian Railways has launched the program to adopt good practices for buildings, industrial units and other establishments for the management of resources and infrastructure to achieve environmental sustainability in its growth.
7. Construction of Dedicated Freight Corridors by Railways is expected to reduce GHG emissions by about 457 million tons CO2 over a 30 year period.

Mass rapid transit system

8. Several projects for the construction and expansion of Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) across urban areas of India are being undertaken. The metro rail network has increased to 18 cities around India. The Delhi Metro, which has become India’s first MRTS project to earn carbon credits, has the potential to reduce about 0.57 million tonnes of CO2e annually. Delhi Metro has also initiated the installation of 9 solar power generation facilities and plans to increase their number.

Motor vehicles

9. The FAME scheme has been formulated as part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 to promote faster adoption and manufacturing of hybrid and electric vehicles in the country by providing fiscal incentives. Government (including State Governments like Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc.) has announced various measures to promote manufacturing of electric vehicles in India; subsidize the cost of electric vehicles for consumers; and to ensure availability of charging stations with affordable charging rates. Government has set a target of 30% electric vehicles in the total vehicle sales by 2030.
10. The Draft National Electricity Policy, 2021 has also emphasised on the establishment and expansion of the charging infrastructure for wider acceptance of electric vehicles in India.
11. In a series of different steps to promote the use of electric vehicles in India, Government has exempted Battery-Operated vehicles as well as vehicles driven on methanol fuel or ethanol fuel from the requirement of permit for carrying passengers or goods. Similarly, a proposal to exempt electric vehicles from payment of fees for the issue or renewal of registration certificate has also been issued.
12. In order to phase out the older and polluting vehicles from operation and to promote recycling of their materials, Government released the Draft Vehicle scrappage policy in 2021. It lays down guidelines for setting up, authorisation and operation of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility that will officially scrap old vehicles in India. This policy comes after the Government has already banned petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi.
13. In order to reduce the fuel demand by vehicles and reduce pollution from vehicle emissions, Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Program has been launched that prescribes the average corporate fuel consumption standards for passenger cars, and the fuel efficiency norms for light and commercial and for heavy duty vehicles. The Government is also working on the development of fuel efficiency norms for vehicles to moderate their rising demand for fuel.
14. Government has adopted an improved fuel standard BS-VI from April, 2020, replacing the BS-IV fuel standard.
15. Government has also launched the National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 to promote the production of biofuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, bio-CNG, etc. and their mixing with conventional fuels. It aims to inter alia ensure the ethanol blending in petrol (at least 20% by 2030) and biodiesel blending in diesel (at least 5% by 2030). The blending of biofuels will not only reduce emissions from the transport sector but also provide alternate use for crop residues, hence preventing farmers from burning it and causing air pollution. Similarly, Government has also issued a notification regarding the blending of Gasoline with methanol in order to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions.
16. On the World Environment Day, 2021, Government launched the E-100 pilot project targeting ethanol blending in petrol at least 20% by 2025, five years earlier than the previous target.

Roadways and highways

17. Green Highways (Plantation & Maintenance) Policy, 2015 has been formulated to develop 140,000 km long “tree-line” along both sides of national highways in India, while setting aside 1% of total civil cost of projects for this. To ensure the effective implementation of this scheme, geo-tagging of plants using an app is being done. Besides, Green National Highways Corridor Project intends to build safe, green and resilient national highway corridors in Indian States of Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
18. To mitigate environmental impacts of roads and highway projects, Government has asked the Indian Roads Congress to develop guidelines for green rating of highways.
19. Solar-powered toll plazas have been envisaged as a mandatory requirement for toll collection on highways across the country.

Airway

20. An increasing number of airports in India have started using solar power and LED bulbs to conserve energy. Kochi International Airport has become the world’s first airport to fully operate on the solar power.
21. Indian Airway regulator, the Director General of Civil Aviation has issued the Climate Change Initiatives and Local Air Quality Monitoring in Civil Aviation, 2015 and the Civil Aviation Requirements to promote various measures to reduce the GHG emissions by stakeholders including use of renewable sources of energy, use of alternative fuels, fuel efficiency, continuous monitoring of air pollution by airports, etc.

Waterway

22. India is promoting inland water transport to reduce pollution and to ensure fuel efficiency. Jal Marg Vikas (Waterways Development) project has been launched to develop a stretch of River Ganga commercially navigable.
23. Green Port project has been launched to make ports across India cleaner and greener, by various measures like setting up renewable energy generation projects, plantation, monitoring environmental pollution, etc.

The primary measures taken at the national level to reduce GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency in the industry include:

1. Zero Effect, Zero Defect ("ZED"): This policy aims to ensure that products with zero defects are manufactured with no impact on the environment. It rates MSMEs on quality control, energy efficiency, enhanced resource efficiency, pollution control, use of renewable energy, waste management, etc. using the ZED Maturity Assessment Model.
2. Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System mandates the highly polluting industries and certain other specified industries to install a 24X7 real-time system for online monitoring of emission and effluent discharge points. This helps the pollution control authorities to ensure the effective implementation of regulations by such industries.

Financing the projects for energy efficiency in the industry

3. The government has launched several projects like Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (“EEFP”), Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (“FEED”), and Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (“MTEE”) to facilitate the financial support for the industry in becoming energy efficient.
4. The EEFP serves as a platform for interaction between entities and financial institutions to invest in energy efficiency projects. Whereas, FEEED is aimed at providing support to entities or lenders to provide financial support to the entity for energy efficiency projects. This program provides the support through the Partial Risk Guarantee Fund for Energy Efficiency (which provides partial coverage of risk to financial institutions that is extending loans for energy efficiency projects) and the Venture Capital Fund for Energy Efficiency (a fund to make equity infusion in the entity undertaking energy efficiency project).
5. MTEE aims to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient appliances through affordability. Products like ceiling fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. have been covered in this scheme.
6. Programs such as Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (for promoting the use of LED bulbs to conserve energy) and the Super-Efficient Equipment Programme (for promoting super-efficient appliances like ceiling fans) have also been launched to ensure energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency in the MSME sector

7. An important contributor to the Indian economy but mostly relying on outdated and polluting technologies, the MSME sector has been provided support to achieve energy efficiency and adopt renewable energy sources through various schemes. Some of them are:
8. National Program on Energy Efficiency and Technology Upgradation in SMEs has been launched to improve the energy efficiency of the MSME sector in India through accelerated adoption of energy-efficient technologies, facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building, and the development of innovative financial mechanisms.
9. Promoting Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Scheme aims to develop and promote a market environment for introducing energy-efficient technologies and enhancing the use of renewable energy technologies in operations of the energy-intensive MSMEs.
10. Energy conservation guidelines for MSMEs have also been developed for 24 energy-intensive MSME sector industries providing best-operating practices.

Some of the key national measures intended to reduce GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency in agriculture and land use include:

Agriculture sector

1. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture aims at enhancing food security and protection of resources such as land, water, biodiversity and genetics. The mission focuses on new technologies and practices in cultivation, genotypes of crops that have enhanced CO2 fixation potential, which are less water consuming and more climate-resilient. India has developed 580 district-level (covering many states) contingency plans based on early warning systems and other weather forecasting systems. NMSA largely aims to evolve Indian agriculture into an ecologically sustainable, climate-resilient production system through appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
2. National Agroforestry Policy, 2014 aims at encouraging and expanding tree plantation in complementarity and integrated manner with crops and livestock to improve productivity, employment, income and livelihoods of rural households, especially the small and marginal farmers; to protect and stabilize ecosystems and promote resilient cropping and farming systems to minimize the risk during extreme climatic conditions and to increase tree cover to promote ecological stability.
3. National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture, 2011 has four main modules including natural resource management, improving crop production, livestock and fisheries and institutional interventions. It aims to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture, covering crops, livestock and fisheries to climatic variability and climate change through development and application of improved production and risk management technologies.
4. To conserve use of energy for irrigation of the farmland, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Prime Minister Agricultural Irrigation Scheme) aims to ensure “per drop more crop” by replacing flood methods of irrigation with precision and micro-irrigation systems which reduce the water needs for irrigation as well as the electricity consumption required for pumping of water.
5. To further conserve the issue of electricity wastage in the agriculture sector, PM-KUSUM scheme has been launched. The scheme provides for the installation of standalone off-grid solar water pumps for irrigation, and the solarisation of existing grid connected pumps to enable farmers to sell surplus solar power generated back to the power distribution companies.
6. Government has also launched a programme to replace energy inefficient agricultural pump sets with BEE rated 5-star energy efficient pump sets, with some State Governments making use of such pump sets mandatory in their respective jurisdictions.
7. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (Prime Minister Agriculture Development Plan) and Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (India Natural Agriculture Mechanism) Programme have been launched to promote organic farming practices in the agriculture. Similarly, the Zero Budget Natural Farming has been launched to promote traditional indigenous practices, on-farm biomass recycling and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs directly or indirectly.
8. Various schemes have been launched with respect to system of rice intensification, direct seeded rice cultivation, use of neem coated urea instead of prilled urea, balanced feedstock and bypass protein and integration of cropping systems with activities like horticulture, livestock farming, fishery, agro-forestry and apiculture. These not only contribute to the lowering of GHG emissions from the agriculture sector but also enables mitigation of the impacts of drought, flood or other extreme weather events, by providing alternate or additional income opportunities to farmers from allied activities.
9. Every year during winter season, the smog rising from the burning of crop residues in neighbouring States results in hazardous levels of air pollution in Delhi and also contributes to global warming. To address this issue, Government has launched “Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue” project which aims to prevent burning of stubble / crop residue in farmlands.
10. India’s NABARD has also launched various initiatives to ensure climate change mitigation and adaptation in the agriculture sector. Programmes such as Rural Infrastructure Development Fund and the Infrastructure Development Assistance Support inter alia aims to reduce emission in the agriculture sector, development of renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.
11. In order to prevent pollution from diesel-run tractors, Government is also in the process of finalising the fuel efficiency norms and the Standard and Labelling Program for agricultural tractors in India.

Forestry sector:

12. After agriculture, forest forms the second-largest land use category in India. India’s forest covers 24.56% of its total geographical area. There is an annual increase in India’s forest cover and its carbon stock is estimated at 21.3 million tonnes which are 78.1 MtCO2e.
13. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 aims to protect, conserve and regenerate India’s natural forests. Besides, in case of diversion of the forest land for non-forestry uses, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 has made compensatory afforestation mandatory, whereby Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authorities at both Central and States level provide technical guidance to ensure expeditious and transparent utilization of amounts realized from the diversion of the forest land.
14. The government has also launched the Green India Mission which aims at protecting, enhancing, and restoring India’s forest cover. It aims to further increase the forest/tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares ("mha") and improve the quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 mha of forest/non-forest lands along with providing livelihood support. It is expected to enhance carbon sequestration by about 100 million tonnes CO2 equivalent annually.
15. To supplement the above-mentioned forest protection and afforestation schemes, the Government has also launched various schemes aimed at afforestation and increase in the tree/forest cover of India. These policies include Twenty Point Programme, National Afforestation Programme, National Green Highways Mission, National Agroforestry Policy (NAP), National Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) policy, Joint Forest Management, Urban Forests Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana.

The main national measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions and improve energy efficiency in the electricity production sector include:

1. The government has launched the National Smart Grid Mission to modernize the electricity grid system in India; bring efficiency in the power supply network, and facilitate a reduction in losses and outages. Similarly, policies like Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (Rural Electrification Plan) and UDAY have been launched to improve the financial and operational status of power distribution companies and to modernize the power distribution system in India. These systems are aimed at reduction of wastage during the transmission and distribution of electricity across the grid, and hence, ultimately improving resource efficiency.
2. The government has also launched the Green Energy Corridor project to ensure smooth synchronization of renewable power with the conventional power stations in the grid. To ensure this, the grid in India is expected to be reshaped for future requirements.

Coal-based energy sources

3. Clean Coal policies: In order to secure a reliable, adequate and affordable supply of electricity in India, coal will continue to dominate power generation in the future. In order to improve the efficiency of existing and new coal-based power plants, these policies inter alia focus on gasification of coal and the use of highly efficient supercritical, ultra-supercritical and advanced ultra-supercritical technology in these plants. Renovation and Modernisation, as well as Life Extension of existing old power stations, are being undertaken in a phased manner. At the same time, the Government is also considering shutting down certain old generation thermal plants.
4. In 2015, MoEFCC had notified the stringent emission standards for thermal plants to reduce their emissions. The deadline to comply with these standards was December 2022. However, in 2021, this deadline has been further extended for certain categories of plants between 2023 and 2025 depending on the location of the plant.
5. MoEFCC had notified the regulations for utilization and effective disposal of the fly ash by thermal power plants. A draft version of the revised notification for the fly ash utilization has been released in April 2021.
6. The Draft Electricity Policy, 2021 emphasizes that coal-based thermal power plants should adopt the most efficient technologies to reduce their environmental impacts. Besides, they should use air-cooled condensers and treated sewage water for their operations to conserve water.
7. In 2021, the Government released the National Mission on the use of Biomass in coal-based thermal power plants to address the issue of air pollution due to farm stubble-burning and to reduce carbon footprint of thermal power generation.

As per the publicly available information, Indian financial institutions have not specified measures aimed at reduction of GHG emission by their customers. However, as we have explained below, they may require their customers to make disclosures regarding their GHG emissions, reasons for high emissions (if any) and measures are taken to reduce these emissions. Such information may also play a crucial role in their decisions to invest in or lend to such customers.

Over the last decade, the global awareness about the risks posed by climate change to the financial sector has substantially increased. To deal with these risks, it is important that business entities take mitigating actions to minimize the impacts of these risks on their assets. However, the lack of information about non-financial aspects of the business prevented investors, financial institutions or the public from assessing the actions a business entity was undertaking for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

To deal with these issues, various global efforts like United Nations - Principles for Responsible Investment, Equator Principles, United Nations Environment Programme – Finance Initiative, Global Reporting Initiative, Principles for Responsible Banking, etc. have resulted in large numbers of investors and financial institutions coming together to seek disclosure from their investee or customer entities about their activities covering non-financial factors as environmental, social and governance (“ESG”)¹. On environment factor, generally, the information including environmental impacts of their activities, GHG emissions, sources of energy, air and water pollution, waste management, etc. and the steps taken to mitigate risks from these aspects thereon are sought.

Institutional investors across the mutual fund, insurance and pension fund industries are being pushed to exercise more diligence on ESG factors. Hence, the integration of the ESG factors into these disclosure requirements has made the climate and environment-related information an important part of their decision-making. Performance on these factors by entities also determines their ability to secure investments or lending.

Compliance with global initiatives

In India, the Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”) has recently joined the Network for Greening the Financial System (a voluntary group of central banks) which aims to build a more sustainable financial system. Apart from this, Indian financial institutions have also started aligning themselves with these global initiatives. Some of them are:

1. Investment management companies like SBI Funds Management Private Limited, Equicap Asia Management Private Limited, etc. and asset management companies like Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. and Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Ltd. are signatories to United Nations - Principles for Responsible Investment.
2. Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. has joined the global investor coalition Climate Action 100+ which aims at persuading entities to formalize their commitment to reducing emissions, disclose climate strategy and highlight how they are aligning operations to objectives of the Paris Agreement, 2015.
3. IDFC First Bank is a signatory to the Equator Principles Financial Institutions. Yes Bank is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Banking and is a member of the UN Environment Programme – Finance Initiative. Moreover, financial institutions like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, Reliance Capital, Tata Capital, IndusInd Bank and Yes Bank are signatory investors to the Carbon Disclosure Project, which collects and discloses the GHG emissions and climate change strategies of investors and companies.

As members or signatory to these initiatives, Indian financial institutions are required to comply with their principles. They need to assess their borrowers or investees from an ESG perspective and integrate their non-financial information into their decision-making process. As such, they may also require their investees or borrowers to report on environment-related information including GHG emissions, sources of energy, air and water pollution, waste management, etc., and also the steps are taken to mitigate risks from these aspects thereon.

Internal policy frameworks

Certain Indian banks like Axis Bank (policy named “Sustainable Lending Policy and Procedures”), IDFC First Bank (policy named “Environmental and Social Policy Framework”) and HDFC Bank (policy named “Environmental & Social Risk Management in Lending”) have developed their lending policies to assess the environmental and social aspects of a project before approving it for a loan. Such assessment inter alia incorporates aspects related to environmental impacts of a project, emissions from a project, and whether it has made relevant environmental compliances. As a part of risk mitigation measures considering the nature of the project, these banks may put certain conditions regarding the reduction of GHG emissions from the project on their borrowers.

Pension funds

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority has introduced the Common Stewardship Code, 2018. It specifies various stewardship responsibilities of institutional investors and asset managers towards the subscribers/beneficiaries of pension funds. Such responsibilities include having a clear policy with respect to monitoring the activities of investees and actively engaging with them as well as active intervention in their operations based on various matters including corporate governance and material ESG opportunities or risks. As per these policies, institutional investors or asset managers may require the investee entity to disclose information related to ESG factors including their GHG emissions.

The Small Industry Development Bank of India has undertaken an initiative in around 500 Small and Medium Enterprises to achieve substantial energy saving, quality improvement and improved competitiveness and is expected to save annually 30,000 tonnes of GHG emissions through Cluster Programs For Energy Efficiency.

[1] Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles provide standards for a company’s performance based on its compliance with specific ESG related aspects. This assessment is often used to ascertain the sustainability of an investment proposal.

Although Indian Courts have developed extensive jurisprudence concerning environmental law, climate change has been the subject of some litigations in recent past. Some of them are provided here:

1. Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board v. Sri C. Kenchappa (Supreme Court, 12 May, 2006):

In this case, Supreme Court of India (“Supreme Court”) was considering a challenge against the proposal of appellants to acquire the agricultural land of the respondent. It was argued that they need this land for grazing their cattle and such acquisition would damage the environment due to industrial activities.

Supreme Court observed that greenhouse gas emissions caused by development activities have resulted in various problems like global warming, due to which global temperature is rising, ice caps are melting and sea levels are rising in coastal regions. Accordingly, there is a need to control these emissions to prevent the changing climate. Supreme Court explained various international and domestic legal principles concerning environmental protection and directed the Appellant to carry out necessary exercise regarding the impact of development on ecology and environment before acquiring the land for development.

2. Hindustan Zinc Ltd. v. Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (Supreme Court, 13 May, 2015):

In this case, Supreme Court was considering a challenge against the regulations requiring industries to meet certain amount of their energy requirements from renewable sources. Supreme Court upheld the decision of the respondent inter alia on the ground that such measure was in consonance with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change as it will promote the generation and consumption of green energy which will ultimately help in reducing the pollution and serve the larger public interest.

3. Hanuman Laxman Aroskar v. Union Of India, (Supreme Court, 29 March, 2019):

In this case, Supreme Court was considering the challenge against the environmental clearance granted to a new international airport in Goa, a western state of India. Grounds of the challenge were inter alia the proponent’s failure to disclose: the real number of trees that need to be cut down; wet lands, water sources, water bodies, biospheres, mountains and forests in the region; and the project’s impact on ecologically sensitive zones around the region.

While determining this case, Supreme Court emphasised on Government’s commitment under the Paris Agreement, 2015 to establish new carbon sinks of 2.5–3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030 through new forest and tree cover. Besides, Supreme Court also discussed 17 goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goals 13 and 16. Goal 13 encourages climate action, while Goal 16 focuses on protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. Maintenance of ecosystems is hence crucial in efforts to combat climate change, mitigate and reduce the risks of natural disasters including floods and landslides.

Based on these observations, Supreme Court observed that India’s environmental regulation is a significant link in India’s quest to achieve these Goals. These Goals are basic expression of our constitutional value system. Hence, the disclosure of information related to ecosystems is vital for the environmental clearance process. Given the proponent’s failure to disclose vital information about the environmental impacts on trees and ecosystems, the Supreme Court concluded there was an abject failure of the due process. Accordingly, Court directed the Government to reconsider the project.

4. Association for Protection of Democratic Rights v. State of West Bengal (Supreme Court of India, 25 March, 2021):

In this case, the Supreme Court was considering the issue of felling of trees by the Government of West Bengal to undertake the project of construction of Road Over Bridges and widening of the roads. The Supreme Court observed that it is imperative to make a realistic assessment of the economic value of a tree, which may be permitted to fell, based on various factors such as its value to environment, its longevity, production of oxygen and carbon sequestration, soil conservation, protection of flora/fauna, role in habitat and ecosystem integrity and any other ecologically relevant factor, distinct from the value of timber/wood.

Besides, the Court also noted that the felling of trees only needs to be assessed from climate change perspective which is a growing national and international concern. The National Action Plan on Climate Change formulated by Union Government in 2008 recognizes that India is committed to increasing tree cover from 23% to 33%. Under the Paris Agreement, India has committed itself to Nationally Determined Contributions in 2015, wherein one of the stated objectives is to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.

Accordingly, the Supreme Court constituted an expert committee to formulate scientific and policy guidelines with respect to cutting of trees for developmental projects while taking above-said aspects into consideration.

5. Court on its own Motion v. State of Himachal Pradesh (National Green Tribunal, 6 February, 2014)[5]:

The main issue before the National Green Tribunal (“NGT”) was environmental degradation, including melting of glacier in the Rohtang Pass area in the Himalayas. NGT cited various studies showing that cause of unprecedented glacial retreat in the region is the pollution from agricultural waste, industries, motor vehicles, power stations, etc. It also noted that the tourism related traffic pollution emitted unburnt hydrocarbon and carbon soot, blackening snow cover in the mountains, and causing air pollution which are affecting glaciers in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

NGT observed that excess atmospheric carbon dioxide was causing global warming, with emissions stemming from industries, power stations, and motor vehicles. Hence, emphasising on the fundamental right of citizens to a wholesome, clean and decent environment, NGT observed there was a need to protect glaciers “in the interest of environmental and ecological balance.” Accordingly, NGT passed various directives to protect the eco-sensitive glacial region including ways to address vehicular pollution, deforestation, cleanliness and hygiene of the environment, as well as general directions to prevent and control environmental degradation and damage in the glacial region.

6. Court on its own Motion v. State of Himachal Pradesh (NGT, 1 August, 2017)[6]:

In this case, NGT was considering the issue of illegal felling of 477 trees in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh State of India. NGT emphasised on the crucial role played by trees in keeping global warming under control and balancing the climate. NGT observed that inter alia trees play a very important role in maintaining the ecological balance in the biosphere. They control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind, and their leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiant energy, keeping things cool in summer. They lower the air temperature and reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse effect by maintaining low levels of carbon dioxide.

Besides, NGT also discussed that trees act as huge stores of carbon helping in balancing the carbon dioxide content in the biosphere. NGT also cited a few studies to highlight the need to maintain large tracts of healthy forests as a measure to sequester carbon from the atmosphere and preventing its release back into it. The deforestation of such forests causes carbon dioxide that causes greenhouse effect and adversely effects the climate of a region. Hence, it is very crucial to prevent cutting of trees. With these observations, NGT directed the forest authorities to plant ten times more trees (i.e. 4770 trees) at the expense of persons responsible for the cutting of trees.

7. Rajiv Dutta v. Union of India, (NGT, 3 August 2017)[7]:

In this case, NGT was considering the issue of large-scale and unchecked damage being caused by devastating forest fires (often annually) in the States of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. It was argued that Government is obliged to curb existing fires, prevent future fires, and restore forest ecology.

NGT deliberated on the implications of large-scale forest fires, and explained the critical role of forests in absorbing and storing anthropogenic carbon emissions—carbon storage and sequestration. NGT also discussed that unabated forest fires result in release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is a dominant greenhouse gas contributor to global climate change because of its heat absorbing characteristics and very long residence time in the atmosphere.

Further, NGT also described the potential for climate change to increase wildfire frequency and for wildfires, in turn, to further climate change by releasing greenhouse gases, aerosols, and soot. Accordingly, NGT concluded that the government authorities had failed to prevent forest fires in line with their constitutional mandate to safeguard forests and wildlife. NGT directed the central government to formulate—in consultation with state governments—a national policy for forest fire prevention and control. NGT also ordered state governments to create and enact forest fire management plans.

8. Yogendra Mohan Sengupta v. Union of India (NGT, 16 November 2017)[8]:

In this case, NGT was considering the issue of the rampant cutting of trees due to unauthorized construction activities in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, a state of India. NGT noted that authorities were also not inclined to take action against these illegal structures.

NGT observed that the Himalayan ecosystem is vulnerable and susceptible to the impacts and consequences of changes on account of natural causes, climate change resulting from anthropogenic emissions and developmental paradigms of modern society. These unauthorized constructions result in the felling of trees that provide important ecosystem services to the region and the Himalayas in general. Such services include carbon sequestration, climate regulation, waste decomposition and detoxification, purification of water and air, and pest and disease control, etc.

Based on these observations, NGT directed State authorities to ensure strict compliance with the law while allowing any sort of construction in green or forest areas.

9.  Society for Protection of Environment & Biodiversity v. Union of India (NGT, 8 December 2017)[9]:

In this case, NGT was considering the challenge against amendments in India’s Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016 which effectively exempted certain building construction projects from obtaining prior environmental clearance. Applicants argued that the exemption would cause unregulated building and construction, having a disastrous effect on the environment.

NGT observed that India’s construction industry emits 22% of its total annual CO2 emissions. The impugned amendments are in derogation to India's international commitments as per the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, 1992 and the Paris Agreement, 2015. It would impair India’s ability to take a precautionary approach in preventing projects’ irreversible environmental damages, reduction in the growth of carbon emissions, and adoption of best practices. Accordingly, NGT directed Government to reconsider these amendments.

1. The Finance Commission of India made recommendations in its 14th Report in 2015 for incentives for the creation of carbon sinks through afforestation. The devolution of funds to states from the federal pool would be based on a formula that attaches 7.5 % weightage to the area under forest. In its recent report for FY 2021-26, Finance Commission has increased the weightage of forest and ecology to 10%, while recognizing forest as a resource that ought to be preserved and expanded through afforestation of degraded and open forests for national benefit as well as to meet our international commitments and the important ecosystem services provided by it.
2. MoEFCC has released the draft notification to prohibit the use of single-use plastic products in India from 2022.
3. India has set up funds to assist in climate change mitigation and adaptation. National Clean Energy and Environment Fund fund research and innovative projects in clean energy technology. Besides, National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change aims to address vulnerabilities in climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, water, forests and coasts, and the cost of adopting cleaner technology in such sectors. It provides 100 percent grant to the State Governments for implementing climate change adaptation projects.
4. On the occasion of World Environment Day, 2021, the Prime Minister of India announced that Kevadia in Gujarat will be transformed into an electric vehicle city. The necessary infrastructure will be built so that only battery-based buses, two-wheeler, four-wheeler will run in Kevadia in the future.
5. Emphasizing the role of the water cycle in the measures to address climate change, the Government has taken various initiatives for water conservation and management. Jal Jeevan (Water is life) Mission to enable every rural household in all the States and Union Territories to have functional household tap connection for providing potable water by 2024. Besides, Jal Shakti Abhiyan (Power of Water Campaign) has also been launched to spread awareness among all stakeholders in 256 water-stressed districts about water conservation. Moreover, the focus is also on raising the groundwater level through periodical monitoring of groundwater levels in India, and through campaigns like Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Groundwater Plan) and Catch the Rain.
6. Standards and Labelling Programme has been launched by the Government that provides information about the energy consumption of an appliance. Under this, 26 appliances are provided star labeling, out of which only 10 are under the mandatory regime.
7. The government has also announced a “Green Window” to serve the unserved segments of renewable energy with greater access to finance. This scheme is expected to support India in accessing domestic and international sources to finance green energy projects in India.

Data transparency

8. To track pollution in Indian cities, National Air Quality Index has been launched. Covering six pollutants, it serves as a public information tool to disseminate information on air quality in qualitative terms.
9. National Power Portal developed by Central Electricity Authority provides information on installed renewable capacity and its generation.
10. Data regarding schemes like RPO, Online Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems, the energy efficiency of buildings, LED distribution schemes, FAME, etc. are available online via dashboards, portals or mobile applications, which provides information on the implementation of these schemes, regular monitoring, GHG emissions mitigated by these actions, etc.

International cooperation

11. India is spearheading the International Solar Alliance in partnership with France to promote solar energy in the world. Further, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure has been formed to prevent infrastructure losses from disasters and other extreme events.
12. India has partnered with Sweden for Industry Transition in hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, etc. Further, India is also a part of ‘Leadership Group for Industry Transition,’ which aims to ensure that heavy industries meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, 2015.