UPSC Prelims 2016 Q33: Environment & Ecology – Climate Change & Greenhouse Gases
Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of 'Green India Mission' of the
Government of India?
1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby
implementing the 'green accounting'
2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food
security to one and all in the future
3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of
adaptation and mitigation measures
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation
National Mission for a Green India
It is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008).
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets, implementing 'green accounting' | Incorrect | Green accounting is a separate idea, not this mission |
| 2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output | Incorrect | The mission is about forests, not farm output |
| 3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures | Correct | This is its stated aim |
Targets of the mission:
| Target | Detail |
|---|---|
| New cover | Increase forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares |
| Better quality | Improve forest cover on another 5 million hectares |
| Ecosystem services | Carbon storage, water, biodiversity |
| Livelihoods | Raise forest-based income of about 3 million households |
Answer: (c) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Green accounting in budgets is not the aim of the Green India Mission.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; a second green revolution is about agriculture.
- (c) CORRECT. The mission aims at restoring and enhancing forest cover to respond to climate change.
- (d) Incorrect. Only statement 3 describes the mission; 1 and 2 only sound 'green'.
Key point
Green India Mission: one of eight NAPCC missions; adds forest and tree cover on 5 million hectares and improves another 5 million hectares.
Remember
Green India Mission = more and better forest cover.
Common mistakes
- Linking every phrase with 'green' to the Green India Mission.
- Confusing it with the Green Revolution in agriculture.
- Forgetting that it is part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
Exam tip
Green India Mission = forests. Green revolution = farming. Green accounting = budgets.
Sources
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — National Mission for a Green India
- Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change — National Action Plan on Climate Change (2008)