Karnataka’s Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, spoke at the India Today Environment Conclave 2025 in Bengaluru, emphasizing the state’s environmental challenges and progress in sustainability initiatives. He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, citing its impact on the state’s demography, which is heavily reliant on climate-intensive sectors. He noted that Bidar, the northernmost district, is particularly vulnerable, with severe impacts on its sectors, and that the state capital, Bengaluru, is facing environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization and changes in rainfall patterns.
Despite these challenges, Karnataka has made significant progress in sustainability, achieving a SDG score of 75 for 2023-24. Khandre credited the state’s success to the collaboration between organizations and government institutions. He emphasized the importance of balancing environmental protection with economic growth, and highlighted the state’s initiatives, including the Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change, which includes measures to mitigate climate change, conserve natural resources, and promote eco-friendly practices.
The state is also working to increase its green cover, which currently stands at 22% of its land area. Khandre announced the government’s plan to remove encroachment of forests and illegal conversions, and to increase the green cover further. He emphasized the need for collective action to address the global issue of climate change, stating that it cannot be wished away and requires tailored solutions for the survival of the planet.