UP PCS Mains-2024

Approach Give brief introduction of the Green Budget. Discuss the challenges in achieving the SDGs for India. Mention the importance of the Green Budget in achieving the SDGs. Conclude with the implementation of the Green Budget.

Introduction

Green budget is defined as the use of budgetary tools to achieve environmental and climate goals. This includes evaluating the environmental impacts of budgetary and fiscal policies and assessing their coherence toward the delivery of national and international commitments.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Green Budget will help to achieve the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for India.

Body

Challenges to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

Out of India’s total population, 91 million people (6% of the population) lack access to safe water, and 746 million people (54%) lack access to safely managed household sanitation facilities.

As of 2015, 237 million people in India do not have access to electricity and most of India’s population does not have access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.

According to the 2011 census, 5.4 percent of India’s total population and 17.4 percent of its urban population lives in slum areas. Indian cities are facing the problem of Air Pollution.

Overfishing and unsustainable aquaculture, eutrophication, and water pollution are the major challenges to achieving SDG-6.

India is highly prone to climate-related catastrophes like floods, droughts, heat waves, and cyclones.

Importance of the Green Budget in achieving the SDGs for India:

Clean water and sanitation: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has been allocated Rs 77,223 crore in budget 2023-24, it has two major schemes the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and the Swachh Bharat Mission - Gramin (SBM-G). It aims to ensure that every citizen has access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Affordable and clean energy: The Ministry of Power has formulated a Scheme on Viability Gap Funding for the development of Battery Energy Storage Systems with a capacity of 4,000 MWh and Union Budget 2023-24 allocated Rs. 19,700 crores for the Green Hydrogen Mission to facilitate the transition of the economy to low carbon intensity,

Sustainable Cities and Communities: The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) with the World Economic Forum jointly designed the ‘Sustainable Cities India program’. The Union Budget 2023-24 has been allocated Rs 8,000 crore for Smart Cities Mission.

Climate actions: In August 2022, India updated its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) according to which India has an enhanced target to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45 percent by 2030 from the 2005 level, achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.

Life below water: The Government of India initiated the ‘Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes’, MISHTI, for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, wherever feasible, through convergence between MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources.

Life on land: India has initiated PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth) to encourage natural farming and balanced use of fertilizers.

Conclusion

A well-structured Green Budget is essential for aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability. By integrating climate action into fiscal planning, India can accelerate progress towards SDG targets and build a resilient, eco-friendly economy. Strategic policies, financial innovation, and strong governance will be key in making India a global leader in sustainable development.