Meagre 2% increase in green allocation

The Centre has allocated Rs 3,412 crore to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, a meagre 2.4 per cent increase over previous year’s Budget allocation of Rs 3,330 crore, even as it allotted greater funds for forest survey, air quality management and pollution control as well as wildlife research.

Lacks renewed commitment

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The Budget falls short of delivering the comprehensive climate action India urgently needs. It lacks a renewed commitment to scaling up renewable energy, tackling deadly air pollution and safeguarding communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis — Harjeet Singh, Eco Activist

The Forest Survey of India received a jump in funds allotment of Rs 54 crore for 2025-26 compared to Rs 46 crore it had received in 2024-25.

Keeping in mind the criticality of air pollution, the Union Budget has increased the allocation of Commission for Air Quality Management to more than double — from Rs 16 crore to Rs 38 crore.

Similarly, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) received a hike in funds allocation of Rs 126 crore for 2025-26 from Rs 113 crore it had received in 2024-25. The Indian Council for Forest Research’s budgetary allocation witnessed a huge spike in allocation of Rs 354 crore for 2025-26 from Rs 300 crore in 2024-25.

Also, the Wildlife Institute of India got Rs 454 crore in 2025-26, a rise of 16 per cent from Rs 391 crore it had received in 2024-25.