India needs a Nature Restoration Law

Source: The post India needs a Nature Restoration Law has been created, based on the article “The case for a nature restoration law in India” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

Context: The article suggests India needs a Nature Restoration Law, inspired by the European Union’s model, to restore its degraded ecosystems. It highlights the environmental, economic, and social benefits of restoring land, wetlands, rivers, and urban green spaces.

What is the Nature Restoration Law (NRL)?

The Nature Restoration Law was adopted by the European Union on June 17, 2024. It requires that 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas be restored by 2030, with a goal to fully restore all ecosystems by 2050. This law is part of efforts to reverse the loss of biodiversity, with measures like restoring rivers and planting trees.

For detailed information on EU Nature Restoration Law read this article here

Why does India need a Nature Restoration Law?

1. Land Degradation: India has nearly 97.85 million hectares (29.7%), as per ISRO’s report, of its total geographical area affected by land degradation, showing a notable increase from 94.53 million hectares between 2003-05.
2. Desertification: A significant portion, 83.69 million hectares, is experiencing desertification, notably in major states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
3. Environmental Challenges: The existing initiatives like the Green India Mission and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme, though substantial, are insufficient given the scale of degradation.
4. Legal Framework: A specific law mandating ecosystem restoration could emulate the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, setting clear, legally binding restoration targets and timelines to ensure sustained environmental recovery and compliance.

For detailed information on Environmental concerns in India read this article here

What could a Nature Restoration Law in India include?

1. Restoration Targets: Aim to restore 20% of degraded land by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050, similar to the EU’s approach.
2. Wetland Restoration: Target restoring 30% of degraded wetlands, focusing on crucial wetlands like the Sundarbans and Chilika Lake.
3. Biodiversity in Agriculture: Promote agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices, using biodiversity indicators like the butterfly and bird index to track progress.
4. River Restoration: Restore free-flowing rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, addressing pollution and obstructions.
5. Urban Green Spaces: Prevent further degradation of urban areas by ensuring no net loss of green spaces and promoting urban forests to combat heat islands.

What are the benefits of ecosystem restoration?

1. Restoring ecosystems can generate significant economic returns, potentially up to $10 trillion globally by 2030 (World Economic Forum).
2. For India, this would mean improved agricultural yields, better water security, and job creation.
3. It would also strengthen India’s ability to meet its climate goals (Paris Agreement commitments) by increasing carbon absorption and combating desertification.
4. Restoration helps India meet Sustainable Development Goal 15, which focuses on managing forests and combating desertification.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons why India needs a Nature Restoration Law and what potential benefits it could bring.