Nagpur: Kaustav Chatterjee, Founder of Green Vigil Foundation, Nagpur, lauded the Union Budget 2025 for its increased focus on environmental conservation and climate action in an exclusive interview with Nagpur News.

“The 9% rise in budget allocation for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change reflects the government’s growing commitment to addressing climate challenges and conserving natural resources,” he stated.

Enhanced Funding for Conservation Projects:

The budget introduced significant hikes for key conservation initiatives:

• Natural Resource and Ecosystem Conservation: Increased from ₹30 crore to ₹50 crore

• Biodiversity Conservation: Nearly tripled from ₹3.5 crore to ₹10 crore

• Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation: Raised from ₹23.5 crore to ₹35 crore

• Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Enhanced from ₹245 crore to ₹290 crore

Commenting on these developments, Chatterjee emphasized the importance of scaling up conservation efforts, saying, “The increased funding for biodiversity and aquatic ecosystem conservation will play a vital role in preserving India’s rich natural heritage.”

Renewable Energy Sector Gets Major Boost:

Surbhi Jaiswal, Team Lead at Green Vigil Foundation, emphasized the government’s focus on clean energy. “The allocation of ₹26,549 crore to renewable energy is a step in the right direction. The Finance Minister also announced a ₹20,000 crore outlay for the Nuclear Energy Mission and highlighted plans to support the production of solar panels, EV batteries, and wind turbines,” she said.

Jaiswal further stated that the government’s ambitious target to achieve a 100 GW renewable energy base by 2047 will help India transition towards cleaner energy alternatives.

Extension of Jal Jeevan Mission:

The extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 was another key announcement, aimed at ensuring treated potable water reaches rural areas.

Chatterjee concluded by praising the comprehensive environmental focus of the budget, stating, “The government’s approach reflects a balanced strategy, ensuring conservation, renewable energy development, and essential water supply for a sustainable and healthier future.”