Nagpur: The Union Budget 2026-27 signals a decisive policy shift toward climate action and clean energy expansion, a move that environmentalist Kaustav Chatterjee, Founder of Green Vigil Foundation, says reflects “growing recognition of India’s environmental responsibilities.” However, Kaustav Chatterjee also cautioned that several critical ecological sectors still require stronger financial backing.
A major highlight noted by Kaustav Chatterjee is the ₹3,759 crore allocation to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), representing an 8% increase over the previous year. According to Kaustav Chatterjee, this rise indicates the government’s intent to strengthen environmental governance, though he emphasized that implementation and monitoring will be equally important.
The renewable energy sector has received a significant boost, with funding rising to ₹32,914 crore. Kaustav Chatterjee described this as a “positive signal for India’s energy transition,” especially as the country aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence and expand solar and other clean power sources.
One of the most notable announcements, as highlighted by Kaustav Chatterjee, is the ₹20,000 crore outlay for Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). He said the allocation shows that India is beginning to invest in advanced climate mitigation technologies, particularly for hard-to-abate industrial sectors that contribute heavily to carbon emissions.
Air pollution control has also received attention, with ₹854 crore earmarked for pollution management, including enhanced funding for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Kaustav Chatterjee stressed that urban air pollution remains one of India’s most urgent environmental health crises and welcomed the dedicated allocation, while urging stricter enforcement and inter-state coordination.
The budget further allocates ₹1,775 crore for grid-connected solar projects and ₹44.32 crore for the National Zoological Park. Kaustav Chatterjee said these measures show a blend of renewable energy expansion and wildlife-related spending, though he noted that biodiversity conservation across broader landscapes still needs deeper investment.
Duty reductions on batteries, solar equipment and biogas components are expected to make clean technologies more affordable. Kaustav Chatterjee observed that such fiscal measures can accelerate grassroots adoption of green technologies and support India’s low-carbon development pathway. He also pointed to the proposed Nuclear Energy Mission targeting 100 GW of non-fossil energy by 2047 as a long-term step toward diversifying India’s clean energy portfolio.
Despite these climate-focused announcements, Kaustav Chatterjee expressed concern that sectors like forest conservation, climate adaptation for vulnerable communities, wetland protection and biodiversity restoration did not receive proportionate increases in funding. He emphasized that climate action must go hand in hand with ecosystem protection.
“While the budget shows encouraging intent on clean energy and pollution control, India’s environmental future depends on balanced investments across forests, water systems, biodiversity and climate resilience,” Kaustav Chatterjee said.
As India accelerates its green transition, voices like Kaustav Chatterjee underline that comprehensive environmental protection — beyond energy and air quality — will be crucial for long-term ecological security.
