New Delhi, Sept 2 (UNI) union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav today said the Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Rules, 2023 has been amended to facilitate the objectives of achieving self-reliance in the Critical Mineral sector under the newly launched National Critical Mineral Mission, 2025.
Under this mission, 24 minerals have been identified as critical and strategic, and 29 others have been recognized as important for strengthening the country’s economy and national security.
“The amended rules simplify the approval process for mining these minerals in forest areas for both public and private entities,” said the Minister at the 20th Global Sustainability Summit hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Yadav said, “The Government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission 2025. Under this mission, 24 minerals have been identified as critical and strategic, and 29 other minerals have been considered important for strengthening the country’s economic development and national security.”
He added that his Ministry has made amendments through the forest conservation and augmentation rules to support this mission.
Explaining India’s strategy, Yadav noted that the country’s sustainability model rests on balancing the economy and ecology. He stressed that nations must “re-engineer a new growth model and resilient development priorities” with sustainability at the center of policymaking. He highlighted the need for solutions across the economy, including circular economy models, green manufacturing, and encouraging responsible practices.
Stating a slew of steps taken to back these efforts, the Minister said, “On August 29 last month, we enacted the environment audit rules 2025. These rules establish a formal framework for environmental auditing across India. The new rules, which come into force immediately, are designed to supplement the existing government monitoring and inspection framework, not to replace it,” Yadav said. He further pointed out revisions in the green credit program, which now allow direct participation by private entities.
Originally launched in October 2023 to encourage voluntary environmental action, the programme has now been strengthened with provisions that allow direct participation by private entities, establish minimum restoration commitments, mobilize private capital for climate action, and utilizate Earned Green Credits. The revised methodology ensures that the Green Credit Programme becomes a catalyst for meaningful eco-restoration, added the Minister.
