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India's Climate Architecture: Key Policies and Programmes
6.1 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
NAPCC was released by India in 2008 — the first comprehensive national climate policy. It comprises 8 National Missions spanning energy, water, habitat, agriculture, and knowledge:
| Mission | Goal |
|---|---|
| National Solar Mission | 280 GW solar by 2030 (India achieved 90 GW+ by 2025) |
| National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency | Reduce energy intensity; BEE star ratings; PAT (Perform Achieve Trade) scheme |
| National Mission on Sustainable Habitat | Green buildings, urban transport, waste management |
| National Water Mission | 20% water use efficiency improvement; integrated water management |
| National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem | Glacier monitoring; biodiversity; forest ecology |
| National Mission for a Green India | Increase forest cover to 33% of India's land; carbon sink |
| National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture | Climate-resilient agriculture; drought/flood-resistant crops |
| National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change | Research, data, innovation ecosystem |
6.2 Panchamrit — India's COP26 Commitments
Announced by PM Modi at COP26 (Glasgow, November 2021), these five pledges represent India's most ambitious climate commitments to date:
- 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, bioenergy)
- 50% of total energy from renewables by 2030
- Reduce cumulative projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonne by 2030
- Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels)
- Net Zero (carbon neutrality) by 2070
Note: India's 2070 net-zero target is later than the EU (2050), US (2050), and China (2060). India argues this is justified by historical equity — India did not cause the climate problem.
6.3 India's Progress on Climate Targets
| Target | Status (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| Installed renewable capacity | 200+ GW (of 500 GW 2030 target); on track |
| Solar capacity | 90+ GW (target 280 GW solar by 2030) |
| Non-fossil electricity share | ~44% of installed power capacity |
| Forest/tree cover | 24.6% of India's land area (2021 State of Forest Report) |
| Electric vehicles | 4 million+ EVs on road; FAME scheme; Production-Linked Incentive |
| LED bulbs | 36+ billion LED bulb equivalents installed under UJALA scheme |
6.4 Rajasthan and Climate
Rajasthan's Unique Position
Rajasthan is the most solar-potential state in India, receiving 7.5 kWh/m²/day — the highest in the country. The state leads India in installed solar capacity at 18,000+ MW (2024).
Key Highlights
- Bhadla Solar Park (Jodhpur district): 2,245 MW — world's second largest solar park
- Rajasthan Solar Energy Policy 2019 targets 30 GW solar by 2024-25
- Wind energy: 5,000+ MW installed (Jaisalmer, Barmer districts)
- Green Hydrogen: Rajasthan identified as a potential hub for green hydrogen production