In a landmark development for India’s green governance, Andhra Pradesh has secured the top position in the 2025 State-wise Environmental Rankings released by the Government of India. The rankings assess states based on forest growth, biodiversity conservation, and climate improvement initiatives. At the other end of the spectrum, Rajasthan has been placed at the bottom of the list, raising concerns over its environmental sustainability strategies.
A Green Victory for Andhra Pradesh
Emerging as India’s environmental frontrunner, Andhra Pradesh has been lauded for:
- Expanding forest and tree cover across degraded landscapes
- Implementing biodiversity-rich ecosystem restoration programs
- Launching pioneering climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
Environmental experts attribute the state’s success to community-based forest management, increased green budget allocations, and proactive climate policies aligned with the National Mission on Biodiversity and Climate Resilience.
“Andhra Pradesh has shown the nation how ecological conservation and development can go hand in hand,” a senior MoEFCC official told.
Rajasthan: Struggling at the Bottom
Despite recording some gains in tree cover, Rajasthan’s overall environmental performance remains concerning. Key challenges include:
- Minimal forest cover (around 8% of its geographical area)
- Dry climate and soil degradation affecting biodiversity
- Limited progress in climate-resilient urban planning and water conservation
Environmentalists have called for urgent policy reforms, better funding for afforestation programs, and stronger community engagement in conservation efforts.
Ranking Parameters Explained
The 2025 rankings were compiled using a combination of 48 indicators across:
- Forest and tree cover growth (ISFR data)
- Biodiversity richness and protection efforts
- Climate action strategies (emissions reduction, renewable energy, resilience)
Sources include the Forest Survey of India (ISFR 2023), the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), and direct inputs from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
What Lies Ahead
With the climate crisis accelerating, the 2025 rankings act as both a benchmark and a wake-up call for Indian states. As Andhra Pradesh leads the charge toward a sustainable future, others must intensify efforts in green policy execution, conservation investment, and public participation.
The Ministry is expected to release detailed state-wise performance reports by July 2025, providing deeper insight into environmental governance at the subnational level.
