Info Nugget
GREEN INDIA MISSION (GIM)
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What is Green India Mission?
The National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to respond to climate change by enhancing ecosystem services, carbon sequestration and livelihoods through forest-based interventions.
When was it launched?
Announced: 2008 (as part of NAPCC)
Approved by Cabinet: February 2014
Implementation started: 2015–16
Original aims/Objectives
1. Increase forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares (Mha).
2. Improve quality of forest cover in another 5 Mha.
3. Improve ecosystem services, especially:
- Biodiversity
- Water
- Biomass
4. Increase forest-based livelihoods of 3 million forest-dependent households.
Original duration
Initially planned for 10 years from launch (2015-2025), in sync with 12th and 13th Five Year Plans.
Now aligned with Vision 2030 and UNFCCC targets.
Revised roadmap and new aim (Post-2020 Updates)
Why was a revision needed?
- Funding and implementation delays.
- Need to align with India’s NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) to Paris Agreement.
- Integrate climate resilience and community participation more strongly.
Revised targets
1. Increase forest and tree cover by 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2030 (as per NDC).
2. Expand community participation via Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs).
3. Shift focus to climate adaptation and resilience, not just mitigation.
4. Greater emphasis on urban greening, mangrove restoration, and biodiversity-rich landscapes.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
Overview
Launched in 2008 by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change, the NAPCC outlines India’s strategy for climate mitigation and adaptation.
8 Missions under NAPCC
- National Solar Mission
- National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
- National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
- National Water Mission
- National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
- National Mission for a Green India
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
- National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
Objectives of NAPCC
- Promote sustainable development.
- Integrate climate change into national policy.
- Strengthen energy security, ecosystem services, and community resilience.
Civil Services-oriented insights
Importance for exams
- Intersects topics of environment, governance, economy, policy, sustainable development.
- High relevance in GS Paper 3, Essay, and Interview.
- Useful in linking with SDGs, Paris Agreement, Bonn Challenge, and UNFCCC.
Question bank for civil services exam
Short answer type questions (150 words)
- What is the Green India Mission and what are its objectives?
- How does the Green India Mission help in mitigating climate change?
- Briefly explain the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
- Discuss the revised targets of the Green India Mission.
- List the eight missions under NAPCC.
Long answer type questions (250 words)
- Discuss the aims, strategies, and challenges of the Green India Mission.
- Evaluate the role of Green India Mission in achieving India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- How does the National Action Plan on Climate Change integrate various sectoral strategies for climate resilience?
- Examine the synergies and gaps between the Green India Mission and other forestry initiatives like CAMPA and National Afforestation Programme.
Analytical/essay type questions
- “Greening India is not just an environmental imperative but a socio-economic necessity.” Discuss in the context of the Green India Mission.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the National Action Plan on Climate Change in achieving India’s climate goals.
- “India’s climate strategy hinges on balancing ecological preservation with developmental needs.” Analyse with reference to Green India Mission and NAPCC.
- Compare and contrast the Green India Mission with similar global initiatives such as the Bonn Challenge and AFR100.
- Highlight the role of community participation and traditional knowledge in India’s climate missions.
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