Biodiversity Conservation Project
- Context : The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Biodiversity Authority have launched a five-year project (2025–2030) titled “Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Safeguarding Biodiversity Commitments.”
- Funding: This project is being implemented with a financial outlay of 4.88 million USD, supported jointly by the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- Focus: It focuses on integrating biodiversity into Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) and strengthening local governance institutions such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
- Target Landscapes: The project includes key landscapes such as the Sathyamangalam–Mudumalai region in Tamil Nadu and the Garo Hills region in Meghalaya. This also covers protected areas like the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve.
- Community-Based Conservation: It promotes community-based conservation through multi-stakeholder platforms involving the Forest Department, local bodies, and civil society.
- Financial Innovation: It encourages innovative financing methods through Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), CSR funding, and green micro-enterprises for sustainable livelihoods.
- Inclusivity: It prioritizes the participation of women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in governance and economic activities.
- Alignment: The project functions in alignment with national and global frameworks, such as the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024–2030), the 30×30 global biodiversity target, and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Programme
- Context : The Union Cabinet has recently approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Programme.
About Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme
- Approved by the Union Cabinet of India
- Focus on Small Hydro Projects (1–25 MW capacity)
- Implementation period: FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31
- Total outlay: ₹2,584.60 crore
- Target: Add ~1,500 MW capacity
Focus Areas
- Priority to hilly and North Eastern States
- Aims to improve energy access in remote regions
- Promotes decentralised and local power generation
Financial Assistance
- For NE & border districts: ₹3.6 crore/MW or 30% of project cost (max ₹30 crore/project)
- For other regions: ₹2.4 crore/MW or 20% of project cost (max ₹20 crore/project)
Investment & Economic Impact
- Expected to attract ₹15,000 crore investment
- Encourages indigenous machinery manufacturing
- Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
Project Pipeline Development
- Support for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)
- At least 200 projects planned
- ₹30 crore allocated for DPR preparation
Employment Generation
- Around 51 lakh person-days during construction
- Long-term jobs in operation & maintenance
- Benefits rural and remote populations
Advantages of SHP
- Decentralised power reduces transmission losses
- Clean energy with no fuel use or emissions
- Supports rural development and infrastructure
- Generates local employment and livelihoods
- Low ecological impact with minimal land use
Significance
- Enhances energy security and grid reliability
- Promotes sustainable and inclusive growth
- Key contributor to India’s clean energy future
Role of Hydro Power
- Hydropower is a reliable and mature renewable energy source
- Provides round-the-clock (RTC) power, unlike solar and wind
- Ensures grid stability, energy security, and system resilience
- Crucial for India’s clean energy transition
