Mod 1: Environment, Climate Change & Ecosystem

Achieving long-term economic growth while prioritizing human welfare and environmental sustainability remains a major challenge that Bihar faces alongside the global community.

Key Highlights & Budget Allocations (Latest Survey Data):

• Over the past five years, forestry and logging have contributed an average of 8–9 percent to the state's agriculture-derived Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). In 2023-24, the forestry sector contributed about 7% to agriculture GSVA and 2% to overall GSVA (increasing from Rs 4,187 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 13,549 crore in 2023-24).
• During the five-year period (2020–25), the State Government allocated an aggregate budget of Rs 41,809 crore toward sustainable environmental initiatives.
• Green Budget Surge: Bihar holds the distinction of being the first state in India to present a dedicated Green Budget (initiated in 2020-21). Public expenditure on climate-related issues rose over four-fold from Rs 3,308 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 13,823 crore in the 2024-25 Budget Estimates.
• Due to concerted governmental efforts, total forest cover in Bihar expanded by 687 sq. km between 2011 and 2023.
• More than 81.7 percent of total annual rainfall in Bihar is received from the South-West monsoon (overall monsoon share reaching up to 88%).
• Annual average surface air temperatures increased from 21.2°C (2017) to 24.7°C (2023).
• Under the Bihar Economic Survey 2024–25, the Water Resources Department allocated Rs 4,515.70 crore for the implementation of the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan.

Ecological Geography & Disaster Vulnerability:

• Bihar possesses an extraordinarily diverse ecosystem comprising the lush green Himalayan Terai, the fertile Gangetic plains, and the mineral-rich southern plateau.
• The Ganga River bisects the plain area, shaping North and South Bihar.
• Its geographical location and meteorological conditions make Bihar highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate variations, frequently exposing regions to floods, droughts, heatwaves (loo), cold waves, earthquakes, and cyclones. In 2023-24, floods affected 3.16 lakh people across 6 districts.