Policy Briefs/Reports

Modeling for Climate Finance

14 May 2026
| Dr Ritu Mathur
| Dr Manish Kumar Shrivastava
| Radha Arora

The scope of this ongoing project focuses on conducting the First Spring Census of potential springs across Manipur in accordance with the national spring census guidelines. The work involves systematic identification, geo-tagging, and documentation of springs to establish a baseline inventory capturing their spatial distribution, typology, discharge characteristics, seasonal variability, and usage patterns.

Advanced Green Fuels for Maritime Application-Road Map for India (Part A)

14 May 2026
| Dr Piyali Das

In April 2025, during the 83rd meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83), the IMO introduced a Net-Zero Framework setting mandatory GHG Fuel Intensity (GFI) targets for all global ships above 5,000 GT. The GFI of a fuel sets a threshold on annual well-to-wake GHG emissions per unit of energy used (gCO₂eq/MJ). This metric is critical for accurately assessing the true environmental benefits and climate performance of alternative marine fuels.

India's Maritime Green Shift: Pioneering Energy Transition and Pollution Control

14 May 2026
| Mr Souvik Bhattacharjya
| Nihar Ranjan Bhoi
| Debesh Lahiri
| Rambhatla VSSL Revathi
| Ayushi Srivastava
| Atul Pandurang Meshram
| Saurav Dahiya
| Imon Kalyan Barua
| Ashish Kumar Satwalia

India’s maritime sector, spanning over 7,500 km of coastline and handling nearly 95 per cent of trade by volume, is the backbone of the nation’s economic and global trade connectivity. However, this growth carries a significant environmental footprint, contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste discharge, and marine pollution. With global shipping accounting for nearly 3 per cent of total GHG emissions, India’s share is projected to rise alongside increasing port traffic. Without strategic intervention, maritime emissions could climb by up to 250 per cent by 2050, intensifying climate threats such as sea-level rise and biodiversity loss.

Green Port Performance Index (GPPI) Measuring Progress, Powering Green Transformation

14 May 2026

DownloadThe Green Port Performance Index (GPPI), launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is a strategic framework to evaluate and enhance the environmental performance of Indian ports.

Preserving traditional land use through new livelihood methods in Zunheboto, Nagaland, India: Satoyama approach

14 May 2026
| Mr Pranjul Chauhan
| Areeba Usmani
| Vivasvan Rakesh
| Ritusmita Mazumdar

About the ProjectTERI is implementing a research project that seeks to protect and revitalise traditional land-use systems while opening new livelihood pathways for indigenous communities in Nagaland.Funded by the Japan Fund for Global Environment (JFGE) and implemented in partnership with Value Network Ventures (VNV) and the Mountains to Mangroves (MTM) Programme, the project draws inspiration from the global Satoyama Initiative.The project is being implemented in the villages of Sukhai, Kivikhu, and Ghukhuyi in Zunheboto District, Nagaland, where communities have long relied on shifting cultivation, forest resource collection, and small-

Research Study on Retailer Behaviour and Psychology towards Returning Rigid Plastic Containers for Reuse

13 May 2026

This study examines the behavioural, perceptual, and operational factors influencing retailers, wholesalers, and distributors in returning rigid plastic containers for reuse, in line with India’s Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules and reuse targets. Conducted across six cities, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Dehradun, the research highlights that while rigid plastic packaging is widely preferred due to its durability, safety, and ease of handling, its effective recovery through formal reverse logistics systems remains limited.

Advanced Green Fuels for Maritime Application-Road Map for India

13 May 2026
| Dr Piyali Das

DownloadThe report provides a comprehensive overview of global trends in alternative shipping fuel adoption and maritime energy transition, based on an analysis of over 120,000 vessels.

Study on Implementation of Compensatory Afforestation in India

12 May 2026
| Dr Jitendra Vir Sharma
| Mr Aniruddh Soni
| Ritika Singh
| Areeba Usmani

DownloadThis report presents an evaluation of the concept of Compensatory Afforestation and its implementation across various states in India, offering insights into the current status, achievements, and challenges associated with this crucial

Critical Mineral Security: The Circular Pathway

29 Apr 2026
| Mr Souvik Bhattacharjya
| Mr. Arya Jash
| Mr Krish Agarwalla
| Ms Mrunali Virendr Tembhurne

This white paper seeks to reframe electronic waste (e-waste) not merely as an environmental challenge, but as a strategic opportunity for India’s resource and economic future. As the country accelerates its transition toward clean energy systems and digital expansion, the demand for critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements—is set to rise sharply.