India is taking bold steps toward environmental sustainability, with the ultimate goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070. A series of transformative government schemes have been launched to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and promote renewable energy, conservation, and afforestation. These initiatives are not just about policy—they directly impact the way citizens, industries, and institutions engage with the environment. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 environmental schemes initiated by the Indian government that are actively shaping a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable India.
1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
Objective: Provide up to 300 units of free electricity monthly to households through rooftop solar power installations.
Overview:
Launched in 2024, this flagship initiative empowers households to produce their own solar energy, helping them become energy-independent while reducing their carbon footprint. It aligns with India’s broader target to significantly increase renewable energy capacity.
Key Features:
Targets over 1 crore households across India.
Offers subsidies to install rooftop solar panels.
Users can feed surplus power back to the grid and earn credits.
Reduces dependency on coal and diesel-based power sources.
Eligibility:
Residential homeowners.
Preference for low and middle-income households.
Why It Matters:
This scheme directly helps citizens reduce their electricity bills while contributing to India's climate commitments. By encouraging mass adoption of solar technology, it accelerates the decentralization of energy production.
2. FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)
Objective: Promote electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions and cut down India’s oil imports.
Overview:
The FAME India scheme has been instrumental in pushing electric mobility in India. Currently in its second phase, the scheme focuses on demand creation, charging infrastructure, and local manufacturing.
Key Features:
Incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and buses.
Financial support for setting up charging stations.
Push for domestic manufacturing of EV components.
Eligibility:
EV manufacturers, dealers, and buyers.
Why It Matters:
The transportation sector contributes heavily to urban pollution. FAME reduces vehicular emissions and makes India less reliant on fossil fuels, while creating jobs in the EV sector.
3. National Solar Mission
Objective: Establish India as a global solar power leader.
Overview:
Launched in 2010 as part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), this mission aims to scale solar energy production across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Key Features:
Target of 100 GW solar capacity by 2026.
Focus on solar parks, rooftop solar programs, and off-grid systems.
Government offers capital subsidies and low-interest loans.
Eligibility:
Individuals, institutions, private and public sector units.
Why It Matters:
The mission has positioned India among the top five solar energy producers in the world. It's not just about reducing emissions—solar power also provides energy access to remote and underserved areas.
4. National Green Hydrogen Mission
Objective: Make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and exports.
Overview:
Launched in 2023, the mission supports the development of green hydrogen—a clean fuel produced using renewable energy.
Key Features:
Financial support for electrolyzer manufacturing.
Pilot projects in industry, mobility, and shipping.
Target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Eligibility:
Energy companies, startups, R&D institutions.
Why It Matters:
Green hydrogen can decarbonize sectors like steel, fertilizer, and transport. This scheme marks a turning point in India's clean fuel strategy.
5. Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme
Objective: Improve energy efficiency in industrial sectors.
Overview:
Implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), PAT sets energy-saving targets for large industries and allows trading of excess savings.
Key Features:
Covers energy-intensive sectors like steel, cement, and paper.
Industries meeting targets get Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts).
ESCerts can be traded on energy exchanges.
Eligibility:
Designated consumers under the Energy Conservation Act.
Why It Matters:
PAT promotes a market-based approach to energy efficiency. It reduces operational costs for industries while contributing to national climate targets.
6. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Objective: Reduce air pollution by 20–30% in targeted cities by 2026.
Overview:
NCAP is India's comprehensive framework to tackle deteriorating air quality, particularly in urban areas.
Key Features:
Covers over 130 non-attainment cities.
City-specific action plans for reducing PM2.5 and PM10.
Strengthening of air quality monitoring networks.
Public engagement and awareness campaigns.
Eligibility:
State pollution control boards and urban local bodies.
Why It Matters:
Air pollution has become a public health crisis. NCAP is a science-based and decentralized strategy to improve air quality sustainably.
7. Namami Gange Programme
Objective: Rejuvenate and protect the River Ganga and its tributaries.
Overview:
This iconic scheme integrates efforts for pollution abatement, riverfront development, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement.
Key Features:
Sewage treatment plants to prevent direct discharge into rivers.
Promotion of organic farming along the river basin.
Community-led river conservation initiatives.
Bioremediation and afforestation efforts.
Eligibility:
State and local bodies, civil society groups.
Why It Matters:
The health of the Ganga is critical to India’s ecology and economy. Namami Gange showcases a multi-stakeholder, holistic approach to river rejuvenation.
8. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign
Objective: Foster a personal connection with the environment through mass tree plantation.
Overview:
Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, this campaign urges citizens to plant a tree in their mother’s name.
Key Features:
Target of planting 140 crore trees nationwide.
Involves schools, colleges, and civil society.
Focus on native and region-specific species.
Eligibility:
All citizens, NGOs, schools, and institutions.
Why It Matters:
This campaign blends emotional connection with ecological action, promoting long-term environmental stewardship at the grassroots level.
9. Climate Change Action Programme (CCAP)
Objective: Build climate resilience and institutional capacity across sectors.
Overview:
CCAP aims to mainstream climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into development planning.
Key Features:
Capacity building for state action plans on climate change (SAPCCs).
R&D support in climate science.
Focus on climate literacy and education.
Eligibility:
Government departments, universities, NGOs, and researchers.
Why It Matters:
Without a strong knowledge and policy foundation, climate action cannot be effective. CCAP bridges this gap and equips stakeholders for evidence-based action.
10. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC)
Objective: Support projects that help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change.
Overview:
NAFCC is India’s dedicated fund for adaptation, especially in sectors vulnerable to climate variability such as agriculture, water, and forestry.
Key Features:
Grants for community-based adaptation initiatives.
Promotes traditional ecological knowledge.
Encourages participatory planning and gender-inclusive practices.
Eligibility:
State and Union Territory governments, with NABARD as the National Implementing Entity.
Why It Matters:
Adaptation is as critical as mitigation. NAFCC ensures that climate resilience is built from the ground up, especially in rural and marginal communities.
Final Thoughts
India’s environmental schemes reflect a deep recognition that climate action must be inclusive, scalable, and rooted in both innovation and tradition. Whether it's through rooftop solar panels, tree plantations, clean mobility, or rejuvenated rivers, each scheme plays a vital role in building a greener and more sustainable nation.
For citizens, these schemes are more than policies—they’re opportunities to participate in reshaping India's environmental future. Whether you're a student, homeowner, farmer, or entrepreneur, the path to sustainability starts with awareness—and action.
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