New Delhi, Mar 14: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised concerns over the underutilisation of funds by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and urged the government to strengthen monitoring systems, expand conservation efforts, and adopt technology-driven solutions to address environmental challenges in the country.
The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, chaired by Rajya Sabha MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, presented its 405th Report on the Demands for Grants (2026–27) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in both Houses of Parliament on March 9.
Concerns over low utilisation of funds
The Committee noted that the ministry’s utilisation of funds declined in the past two financial years compared with 2023–24, when over 96 percent of allocated funds were utilised. In 2024–25, the ministry used 72.35 percent of its allocated budget, while in 2025–26 it had utilised only 67.87 percent of the revised estimate allocation of ₹3,481.61 crore as of January 31, 2026.
While welcoming the 10 percent increase in the 2026–27 budget estimate to ₹3,759.46 crore, up from ₹3,412.82 crore in 2025–26, the Committee recommended that the ministry ensure optimal utilisation of funds from the beginning of the financial year.
Central schemes see poor spending
The panel also flagged underutilisation in several Central Sector Schemes. Although allocations increased to ₹1,451.52 crore in the revised estimates for 2025–26, only ₹888.22 crore had been spent by January 2026.
The most significant shortfall occurred under the “Control of Pollution” scheme, which saw expenditure of ₹814.26 crore out of an allocation of ₹1,300 crore. The Committee stressed that environmental pollution continues to pose a major threat to public health and ecological stability, calling for stronger monitoring and improved financial and physical tracking of projects.
Long-term plan needed for Delhi air pollution
The panel also noted that air quality in the Delhi-NCR region remained in the “poor” category during most of the October–February period of the current financial year. It recommended that the ministry work with the Delhi government to develop a long-term strategy to address the persistent air pollution crisis.
Environment education must become national priority
The Committee urged the government to make environment education and awareness a national priority. It recommended that the ministry coordinate with the Ministry of Education (India) to integrate environmental awareness into school and higher education curricula so that future generations develop responsible environmental behaviour.
Reduced spending under Green India Mission
The report also highlighted reduced allocations and slow spending under the National Mission for a Green India. The scheme’s budget estimate of ₹220 crore for 2025–26 was cut to ₹95.7 crore at the revised estimate stage, of which only ₹40.95 crore had been spent by January 2026.
The Committee asked the ministry to review the reasons for slow implementation and ensure better utilisation of funds.
Rising forest fires demand technology solutions
Expressing concern over increasing forest fires across the country, particularly in Himalayan states such as Uttarakhand, the Committee recommended adopting advanced technologies such as satellite monitoring, drones, and AI-driven early warning systems for fire detection and response.
The panel also called for a standardised protocol for tackling forest fires in the Himalayan belt and urged the government to provide additional financial support to states for prevention and management.
Wildlife conservation efforts praised
The Committee, however, appreciated the performance of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme, noting that nearly 75 percent of funds had already been utilised by January 2026.
Similarly, expenditure under Project Tiger and Project Elephant was found satisfactory, although the panel suggested increasing allocations due to the rising number of tiger reserves, expanding habitats, and growing incidents of human–wildlife conflict.
Rising human–wildlife conflict
The panel observed that incidents of human–animal conflict are increasing as wildlife populations grow while forest habitats remain limited. It recommended establishing rescue centres for big cats such as tigers and leopards and introducing technological solutions to keep wildlife within forest boundaries.
Medicinal plants in afforestation drives
In a notable recommendation, the Committee suggested that at least 25 percent of plantations undertaken with CAMPA funds should consist of medicinal plants suitable for local ecology. This, it said, would strengthen biodiversity restoration and support traditional healthcare systems.
Concern over forest land encroachment
The report also flagged concerns about forest land encroachment, citing estimates that more than 13,000 square kilometres of forest land across 25 states may be under illegal occupation.
To address the issue, the panel recommended drone surveys of forest lands, with findings placed in the public domain to improve transparency and prevent illegal land transactions. It also called for digital mapping of eco-sensitive zones to better protect fragile ecosystems.
Call for stronger funding support
Finally, the Committee supported the ministry’s request for increased funding for key environmental programmes and urged the Ministry of Finance (India) to consider its financial requirements positively.
The panel also advised statutory and regulatory bodies under the ministry to accelerate implementation of projects in the first half of the financial year so they can seek additional allocations during the revised estimate stage.
The report emphasised that stronger financial management, improved monitoring, and greater technological adoption will be critical for addressing India’s growing environmental challenges.
