India’s National Adaptation Plan to Propel Nation Towards Viksit Bharat, Says Union Minister at National Workshop

New Delhi: The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for Climate Change, a key initiative aimed at fortifying India’s resilience against climate-related risks, was the focus of a national-level workshop held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. The workshop was organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the ongoing Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme.

In his inaugural address, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the importance of the NAP in India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047. He stated, “The National Adaptation Plan we are building today will be a cornerstone of our march towards Viksit Bharat.” The workshop brought together key stakeholders to identify sectoral adaptation priorities and understand regional vulnerabilities across nine key sectors, including water, agriculture, disaster management, health, forests, ecosystems & biodiversity, poverty alleviation & livelihoods, traditional knowledge & heritage, and adaptation resourcing.

Singh, in his address, acknowledged India’s leadership role in global climate action under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted, “India has emerged as an inspiration for nations worldwide, particularly in tackling global issues related to climate action and sustainable development.” The Minister further emphasized that India’s ambition to achieve developed nation status by 2047 was grounded in the vision of inclusive and sustainable development.

He went on to highlight that India’s National Adaptation Plan was not a static document but a dynamic, evolving process that integrates science, innovation, and grassroots realities. It will serve as a blueprint for incorporating adaptation into national development plans and policies across economic sectors, ensuring a systematic, long-term approach to building resilience and reducing climate vulnerability in sectors like agriculture, water resources, Himalayan and coastal regions, and disaster management.

Singh also outlined India’s priorities under the NAP, which focus on strengthening knowledge systems, reducing exposure to climate risks, and enhancing adaptive capacity. He stressed that adaptation is not just an option, but a necessity for the nation’s future. “Adaptation is a continuous cycle—planning, implementing, learning, and refining,” he stated.

Tanmay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), outlined that India’s adaptation plan would be informed by the latest climate data, validated research, and risk assessments, and be aligned with existing policies. He also mentioned that the NAP would follow eight key principles, including being country-driven, science-driven, gender-responsive, and inclusive of vulnerable groups and ecosystems. Kumar also highlighted the importance of Mission LiFE, launched by Prime Minister Modi, which encourages citizens to adopt environment-friendly lifestyles to combat climate change.

Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India, reiterated the critical role of the NAP in embedding climate adaptation across sectors. She emphasized that the NAP is not merely a policy document but a strategic roadmap for building climate resilience and ensuring sustainable development for the nation.

The workshop also featured presentations by Naresh Pal Gangwar, Additional Secretary (MoEFCC), and Rajasree Ray, Economic Advisor (MoEFCC), who provided insights into the ongoing NAP process, vulnerability assessments, and adaptation needs.