The Government of Delhi has submitted its updated State Action Plan on Climate Change, known as SAPCC 2.0, to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for final approval. The revised plan is intended to replace the 2019 version, which officials say no longer reflects current climate realities or recent data trends.
According to officials, the new blueprint has been in the works for over a year, involving multiple rounds of consultations and revisions to align with evolving environmental challenges.
Shift towards data-driven planning
The earlier 2019 plan relied on datasets that are now considered outdated, with some figures going back over a decade. SAPCC 2.0, by contrast, incorporates updated climate science and district-level vulnerability assessments.
Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the revised plan is more comprehensive and action-oriented, with clearly defined sector-wise strategies and measurable targets up to 2030.
Alignment with global commitments
Officials said the updated framework aligns with key international and national commitments, including the Paris Agreement, India’s Nationally Determined Contributions, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The plan also factors in India’s long-term low-emission development strategy, ensuring that Delhi’s policies remain consistent with broader national climate goals.
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Focus on urban resilience and green cover
A major emphasis of SAPCC 2.0 is on nature-based solutions and urban resilience. Initiatives such as the creation of “nagar vans” or urban forests, large-scale plantation drives, and sustainable land-use planning form a key part of the strategy. Officials added that biodiversity conservation and water resource management will also be integrated into climate adaptation efforts, in line with global biodiversity frameworks.
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Plans to revise the climate strategy were first announced in 2024, citing the need to address rapid environmental changes and increasing weather extremes. The updated draft is now awaiting approval from the Centre, after which implementation timelines and execution strategies are expected to be rolled out.
