National Plan on Climate Change highlighted in Parliament

New Delhi, Aug 18: The government today underlined its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) as the central framework for tackling climate challenges, combining adaptation, resilience-building, and biodiversity conservation.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said the plan guides action through eight core national missions, including those on sustainable agriculture, habitat, solar energy, water efficiency and energy efficiency.

He said the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture promotes integrated farming and water-efficient practices under schemes like “Per Drop More Crop,” while the National Mission on Sustainable Habitat works to strengthen urban resilience against floods, droughts and other climate-related disasters.

In addition, 34 states and Union Territories have prepared State Action Plans aligned with the national framework.

Alongside climate action, the minister highlighted measures to conserve biodiversity, including the notification of 50 heritage sites, the expansion of tiger and elephant reserves, and the designation of eco-sensitive zones and biosphere reserves.

India’s updated biodiversity strategy sets 23 national targets in line with global commitments, while tiger and elephant populations have shown positive trends under dedicated conservation programmes.