Page 29 - NIS English 01-15 July 2022

Environment Nation

Important steps taken by India for the protection of the environment

n India has already achieved n Achieved the target of 10%
its commitment to reach LED bulbs ethanol blend in petrol
40% of the installed 5 months ahead of the
capacity from non-fossil November 2022 target. As a
fuel-based sources 9 years million LED bulbs have result, crude oil imports fell by
ahead of schedule. 370 been distributed so far. more than 5.5 billion dollars,
n India has achieved the carbon dioxide emissions fell
by 2.7 million tonnes, and
targets set in Cop 21, 9 farmers' incomes increased
years ahead of schedule. 50 million units of by about 5.5 billion dollars.
Since 2014, the installed electricity saved
capacity of solar power increase in the budget
has increased by 1900 A reduction of 40 million for rejuvenation of the
percent. The total number tonnes of carbon dioxide has
of wildlife protected areas also been ensured. 288% river Ganga. The world's
has increased by 32%. largest solar park
has started in Bhadla,
Rajasthan.

The number of Asian lions has increased by
64% from 2010 to 2020. The number of tigers ‘Save the soil’ program
has increased by 33% from 2014 to 2018. Initiatives to revitalize the soil
Concerns are being expressed all over the world

Papers' was launched, inviting individuals, universities, about the deteriorating health of the soil in the
think tanks, nonprofits, and others from around the last few years. According to experts, in the last
world to come up with excellent climate-friendly 25 years, 10 percent of the world's fertile land has
behavior change solutions which can be expanded. become barren. The reason is the use of chemical
This mission has been initiated by the Government fertilizers, pesticides, and the loss of soil moisture
of India in partnership with the United Nations, the and nutrients due to global warming. Amidst this
World Resource Institute, the Center for Social and growing concern, India is moving ahead with
Behavior Change (CSBC), and the Bill & Melinda Gates important initiatives like Natural Farming, Soil
Foundation. Introducing the 'LiFE Movement', Prime Health Card, Neem Coated Urea, Micro Irrigation,
Minister Narendra Modi not only underscored India's Catch the Rain, River Conservation, and the Atal
important steps toward environmental protection Bhujal mission. Addressing the 'Mitti Bachao'
and its achievements but also emphasized on the program organized by Isha Foundation at Vigyan
principles of reuse, reduce and recycle with innovation Bhawan, Delhi on June 5, Prime Minister Narendra
and technology. He said, "India stands ready to Modi highlighted 5 important efforts of India toward
support any endeavor for a better environment and saving the soil. He said, "We have focused on five
global well-being. Our track record speaks for itself. major things - first - how to make the soil chemical-
Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, free. Second- How to save the organisms that live in
Focus on One Sun-One World-One Grid, and Coalition the soil, which you people call Soil Organic Matter
for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure is making major in technical language. And third - how to maintain
contributions. We are glad that the world is supporting soil moisture, and how to increase the availability of
these efforts. I am confident that the LiFE Campaign water. Fourthly, how to remove the damage that is
will unite us further and ensure a secure future for happening to the soil due to lack of ground water,
generations to come. I once again invite the world to and fifthly, how to stop the continuous erosion of
soil due to a reduction in the forest area. ”
be a part of this journey.

New India Samachar July 1-15, 2022 27