India Launches 'Project Green Horizon' for Nationwide Environmental Restoration

India officially launched 'Project Green Horizon' on July 31, 2026, marking a significant step towards national environmental restoration and sustainable development. This ambitious initiative aims to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and improve water security through a concerted national effort.

The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, allocates an initial budget of Rs 15,000 crore for its first five-year phase. It targets planting over 100 crore trees and implementing advanced water harvesting systems in 15 identified drought-prone and degraded regions across the country. Collaboration with state governments, local communities, and NGOs is central to its implementation strategy.

Exam Insights & GK Analysis: This initiative is highly relevant for competitive exams like KPSC, UPSC, and SSC under sections like Environment & Ecology, Government Schemes, and Current Affairs. Candidates should know the nodal ministry (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change), its establishment year (1985), and its key functions. Project Green Horizon aligns with India's commitments under international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 15 - Life on Land and SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation). Understanding similar past and present environmental initiatives like the National Afforestation Programme and Jal Jeevan Mission would also be beneficial.