India is facing challenges due to climate change. The Economic Survey 2024-25 brought into light the nation’s vulnerability to global warming. However, the Budget 2025-26 fell short in addressing these concerns. The finance minister’s speech mentioned climate-related terms sparingly. This raises questions about the government’s commitment to adaptation strategies.
Importance of Adaptation
Adaptation to climate change is crucial for India. It involves modifying development activities to consider ongoing climate impacts. This approach ensures that economic growth aligns with environmental sustainability. Adaptation is not merely a future concern; it is a pressing need for current development.
Funding Shortfalls
Budget allocations for climate adaptation have seen reductions. Key schemes like the National Adaptation Fund, Climate Change Action Plan, and the National Mission on Himalayan Studies have been shifted to non-scheme budgets. Since 2022-23, these schemes have received no new funding. This lack of financial support hampers effective adaptation initiatives across various sectors.
National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change
The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change was established to support vulnerable states. It aims to finance projects that enhance resilience in agriculture and animal husbandry. However, project implementation has faced delays due to administrative challenges. The fund’s objectives remain unfulfilled, as evidenced by the lack of new allocations since its inception.
National Action Plan on Climate Change
The National Action Plan on Climate Change outlines eight missions related to climate issues. Despite the evolving climate landscape, it has not been revised since 2008. This stagnation limits India’s ability to respond effectively to current climate challenges. The missions need updating to reflect recent developments and impacts.
Recent Initiatives
Despite funding challenges, some initiatives are progressing. The National Mission for a Green India received an increased budget allocation. This programme focuses on afforestation and fire prevention. Additionally, ‘Mission Mausam’ aims to enhance weather forecasting capabilities. It seeks to establish various weather monitoring stations to improve climate resilience.
Challenges in Implementation
Implementation of adaptation projects faces numerous hurdles. Delays in land acquisition and project execution hinder progress. Effective management and coordination among agencies are essential for success. Without addressing these challenges, adaptation efforts may remain ineffective.
Future Directions
India requires a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation. This includes increased budget allocations and new schemes. A focus on scientific research is vital for understanding climate impacts. Enhanced collaboration between government and local communities will strengthen adaptation strategies.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the role of the National Action Plan on Climate Change in India’s climate adaptation efforts.
- Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in India. How can adaptation strategies mitigate these impacts?
- What are the key challenges in implementing climate adaptation projects in India? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges.
- Explain the significance of ‘Mission Mausam’ in improving India’s climate resilience. What are its expected outcomes?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically examine the role of the National Action Plan on Climate Change in India’s climate adaptation efforts.
- The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was established in 2008 to address climate issues through eight missions.
- It aims to promote sustainable development while addressing climate change impacts on various sectors.
- However, the NAPCC has not been updated since its inception, limiting its effectiveness in the face of evolving climate conditions.
- Adaptation measures under the NAPCC are essential for enhancing resilience in vulnerable communities and sectors.
- Critics argue that the lack of financial support and implementation challenges hinder the NAPCC’s role in climate adaptation.
2. Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and food security in India. How can adaptation strategies mitigate these impacts?
- Climate change affects agriculture through altered weather patterns, increased frequency of extreme events, and changing rainfall distribution.
- These changes threaten food security by reducing crop yields and affecting livestock health.
- Adaptation strategies include developing climate-resilient crop varieties, improving irrigation efficiency, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Implementing community-based adaptation initiatives can empower farmers to better manage climate risks.
- Government support for research and extension services is crucial for disseminating knowledge on effective adaptation measures.
3. What are the key challenges in implementing climate adaptation projects in India? Suggest measures to overcome these challenges.
- Key challenges include bureaucratic delays, inadequate funding, and lack of coordination among various government agencies.
- Land acquisition issues and technical resource limitations also hinder project implementation.
- To overcome these challenges, streamlining administrative processes and improving inter-agency collaboration is essential.
- Increasing budget allocations and ensuring timely disbursement of funds can enhance project execution.
- Engaging local communities in project planning and implementation can improve effectiveness and sustainability.
4. Explain the significance of ‘Mission Mausam’ in improving India’s climate resilience. What are its expected outcomes?
- ‘Mission Mausam’ aims to enhance weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities across India.
- It seeks to establish advanced weather observation infrastructure, including Doppler Weather Radars and other monitoring stations.
- The mission is for improving disaster preparedness and response to extreme weather events.
- Expected outcomes include better prediction of weather patterns, enhanced agricultural planning, and increased resilience among communities.
- Ultimately, ‘Mission Mausam’ contributes to a more informed approach to climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in India.
