Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened an International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The conference focuses on how nations can balance rapid economic development with environmental protection. The Prime Minister used the occasion to highlight India’s progress in renewable energy, clean transport, and water conservation over the past twelve years.
What India has achieved
Solar capacity has grown from 2 gigawatts twelve years ago to over 160 gigawatts today. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has provided solar installations to over 50 lakh homes with government support of up to 80,000 rupees per household. Under the Kusum Yojana, 30 lakh farmers have received solar pumps.
Electric vehicle sales have grown 950 times, from under 3,000 units before 2014 to roughly 25 lakh last year. The country now has metro networks in over 20 cities, covering more than 1,000 kilometers, compared to five cities and 250 kilometers in 2014.
India has constructed over 70,000 Amrit Sarovars and 1.5 crore rainwater harvesting structures under water conservation campaigns. Forest cover has increased by more than 22 percent in the last twelve years. The country has established 24,000 natural farming clusters across 12.5 lakh hectares under the National Mission on Natural Farming.
The One Nation-One Grid project has prevented 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions. A newly inaugurated 3,000-kilometer Dedicated Freight Corridor is moving goods by rail instead of trucks. Approximately 5,000 kilometers of inland waterways are now operational. India has also launched the world’s longest hydrogen train.
What this means for you
These developments affect ordinary citizens through cleaner air from reduced vehicle emissions and improved public transport options in major cities. Farmers and homeowners can access government-backed solar schemes and water-efficient farming techniques. The push toward renewable energy and clean transport is gradually changing the energy and transport landscape that Indians use daily.