India restores 21.76 million hectares of degraded land, achieves nearly 84% of Bonn Challenge goal
India has restored 21.76 million hectares of degraded and deforested land, bringing the country close to achieving 84% of its Bonn Challenge restoration target, according to government data. The achievement highlights India's continued efforts to combat land degradation, improve forest landscapes, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
The Bonn Challenge is a global initiative aimed at restoring degraded and deforested landscapes worldwide.
India joined the Bonn Challenge in 2015 and initially pledged to restore 21 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. The country later expanded its land restoration ambition to 26 million hectares by 2030 as part of its broader commitments to climate action and sustainable land management.
Officials said the progress has been driven through afforestation, watershed development, agroforestry, and ecosystem restoration programmes implemented across various states.
Restoring degraded land helps improve biodiversity, enhance water security, support rural livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against climate change.
The achievement also reinforces India's commitment to international environmental goals and its efforts to address challenges posed by deforestation and land degradation.
