Funds for climate change missions in Union Budget:Shyam Saran


India’s eight ambitious missions to address climate change may get funds in the Union Budget that will be presented in Parliament next month.

“The ministries implementing the missions will be provided the necessary budget for it. We are tying up funds domestically,” Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Climate Change Shyam Saran said when asked whether there would be any allocation for the eight missions in the Union Budget.

He said each of the missions would be discussed at the Planning Commission and will be incorporated in the Plan.

“Government has taken a decision on implementing it. Of course, they will provide funds,” Mr. Saran said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh launched the National Solar Mission that aims to generate 20,000 MW solar power by 2022 recently. The mission is one of the eight announced as India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Besides solar mission, India plans to deal with global warming through achieving enhanced energy efficiency, promoting a sustainable habitat, efficient use of water, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, increasing forest cover, adapting to sustainable agriculture, and developing strategic knowledge on climate change.