India on track to achieve 2030 goal

India is firmly on track to meet its target on power generation from non-fossil sources and reduce greenhouse gases well ahead of the deadline, Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday at a climate summit in Poland.

"In terms of commitment, we are already on track. We will achieve our target ahead of the 2030 deadline", Harsh Vardhan said.

He said India is committed to win the battle against global warming and the country has made "great strides" in its journey towards meeting climate change adaptation and mitigation targets.

India has set an ambitious target on three fronts. It has pledged to produce 40 percent of its power from non-fossil fuels by 2030. It has also committed to cut down the emissions of greenhouse gases by 33-35 per cent from the 2005-levels and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide through planting trees. 

Vardhan said India is working hard for achieving its target to get 175 GW power from renewable energy by 2022. India stands fourth in wind power, fifth in renewable power, he added.

He also said that just in the last two years India has achieved a one percent increase in its forest cover whereas in many countries across the globe it is depleting. 

India has also pledged to get rid of single-use plastic by 2022 across the country.