Year End Review 2025: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Context:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released its 2025 Year-End Review.
It highlights India's global leadership in forest conservation, wildlife protection, and climate action.
Key Initiatives & Achievements:
Forest & Green Cover:
The forest and tree cover of the country is 25.17% (21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover) of the geographical area of the country
As per FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025:
India ranks 9th globally in forest area (up from 10th) and retained 3rd position worldwide in annual net forest gain
Globally, India now ranks 9th in total forest area and retains the 3rd position for annual forest gain
Wildlife Conservation:
58 Tiger Reserves now cover approximately 85,000 sq km as compared to 46 in 2014
New reserve: Madhav Tiger Reserve, MP
Elephant Reserves increased to 33 in 2025 in comparison to 26 in 2014
150 elephant corridors identified across 15 States
DNA profiling of captive elephants via Gaj Soochna App
Under Project Cheetah the population reached 30, including 19 cubs born in India, with expansion into Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cheetahs were introduced into Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary; planned expansion to Noradehi & Banni Grasslands
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) framework entered into force, expanding to 18 member countries
Climate Action:
India achieved a 36% reduction in emission intensity of GDP (from 2005 levels) and surpassed 50% installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of schedule.
Installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil fuel-based energy sources increased to more than 50% in June 2025 - 5 years ahead of schedule
The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) was also operationalized
Wetlands:
11 new Ramsar sites were declared, taking the total to 96.
Indore and Udaipur became India's first Ramsar Wetland Cities.
Pollution Control:
Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), 103 cities recorded a reduction in PM10 levels compared to 2017-18
Major Reforms by MoEFCC in 2025
Green Credit Programme (GCP) – Revised Framework
Expanded participation to public and private entities for restoring degraded forest land.
Green Credits issued after 5 years of restoration on achieving ≥40% canopy density.
Credits may be used once for Compensatory Afforestation (CA), CSR obligations, etc
Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Amendment Rules, 2025
Expanded land bank creation in degraded/government/recorded forest lands (≤0.4 canopy).
No CA for underground mining without surface rights.