Policy Briefs/Reports

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

The 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. Aligned with India’s Nationally Determined Contribution and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, it supports the nation’s transition to carbon-neutral and resilient maritime operations. The GPPI assesses ports through 13 indicators grouped under three objectives, Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Ecosystem Vitality emphasizing measurable, outcome-based results.

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

TERI 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-scale agriculture for thei

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

The 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

This 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 environmental initiative. The analysis begins with an exploration of the policy and legal frameworks that govern compensatory afforestation in India. Despite having comprehensive guidelines, significant gaps remain betweenpolicy directives and their actual implementation. This underscores the need for ongoing policy updates to effectively address emerging environmental challenges.

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.