India’s 2025-26 Union Budget has fallen short in addressing critical environmental challenges, according to experts at the IMPRI Center for Environment, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development. The discussion highlighted significant gaps in funding, policy implementation, and strategic vision for environmental sustainability.
Budget Allocations Fail Environmental Needs
Professor Krishna Raj opened the session by questioning whether the budget truly aligns with India’s environmental priorities. He emphasized the necessity of integrating economic growth with ecological preservation rather than pursuing development at the cost of the environment. The discussion revealed a concerning gap in policy continuation and resource allocation, raising doubts about the viability of long-term sustainable environmental development.
E-Waste and Urban Sustainability Overlooked
Professor Shyamala Mani pointed out the budget’s failure to integrate crucial environmental initiatives. She highlighted how e-waste recycling—which could provide valuable raw materials for industries and create jobs—was largely ignored. Additionally, no transition strategy was formulated for urban waste workers, and there was a visible lack of coordination between urban sustainability programs and climate resilience measures.
Mitigation Overshadows Adaptation Needs
A critical imbalance exists in the budget’s approach to climate change, with excessive focus on mitigation rather than adaptation. Professor Raj noted that despite increasing climate disasters, insufficient funds were allocated to adaptation efforts. He also highlighted a troubling discrepancy between budget allocations and actual spending, where ineffective implementation leads to resource underutilization and hampers environmental conservation progress.
Ministry Funding Woefully Inadequate
Mr. Soumya Dutta criticized the budget allocation for the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change as severely insufficient. In real terms, accounting for inflation, the allocation has actually decreased. He raised concerns about insufficient funding for addressing air pollution, climate disasters, and the challenges facing coastal communities as sea levels rise. Dutta emphasized the urgent need for greater investment in adaptation programs and vulnerability mapping across India.
Economic Growth Trumps Environmental Protection
Recent policy changes have prioritized economic growth at the expense of environmental protection, according to Mr. Debadityo Sinha. Environmental laws have been amended to facilitate business rather than conservation. He also noted that funds for forest conservation and the National Coastal Mission remain underutilized, potentially worsening environmental degradation in vulnerable regions.
Industry-Driven Decarbonization Lacks Balance
Ms. Prarthana Borah provided an industry perspective, noting that the budget primarily focuses on industrial decarbonization rather than comprehensive environmental sustainability. While industries are increasingly adopting renewable energy, the slow expansion of clean energy infrastructure is impeding progress. She stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility through stronger regulatory measures.
Agricultural Adaptation Receives No Support
The agricultural sector faces significant climate challenges without adequate budgetary support, according to Mr. Himanshu Shekhar. Farmers contend with unpredictable weather patterns with minimal provisions for building resilience. Shekhar also expressed concern about the lack of investment in pollution control and river rejuvenation, despite worsening water pollution and deteriorating urban air quality.
Path Forward Requires Integrated Approach
The experts unanimously called for a paradigm shift in India’s environmental policy and budgetary priorities. While some investments have been made in green initiatives, overall funding remains insufficient to address mounting environmental and climate crises. Fragmented policies and inadequate funding continue to obstruct meaningful progress.
The discussion concluded that future budgets must prioritize just transitions for vulnerable communities, stronger environmental regulation enforcement, and proactive climate adaptation strategies. Government action must move beyond rhetoric to implement concrete steps toward climate resilience, pollution reduction, and natural resource protection.
