Kerala Budget 2026-27: ₹27.82 cr. allocation for environment and habitat sector

The State Budget for the 2026-27 fiscal has earmarked ₹27.82 crore for various projects in the environment and habitat sector.

It included the allocation of ₹10.82 crore for the Department of Environment and Climate Change, ₹13 crore for the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, ₹3 crore for the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and ₹1 crore for the Kerala State Climate Change Adaptation Mission. The allocation for strengthening biodiversity conservation activities has been enhanced to ₹13 crore.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said in his Budget speech that Kerala would emphasise comprehensive urban development that is inclusive, climate-resilient and citizen-centric, while also boosting economic growth. He added that the government aimed to establish an institute, tentatively titled the ‘Institute for Sustainable Development’, to focus on sustainable development by leveraging Kerala’s strong educational base, rich biodiversity and commitment to environmental protection. An amount of ₹2.5 crore has been earmarked for the initial activities of the proposed institute in Kannur district.

On the ₹13-crore allocation, Kerala State Biodiversity Board chairperson N. Anil Kumar said that the key focus areas planned in the 2026–27 fiscal included a training programme for members of biodiversity management committees across various local bodies. The programme is part of the Kerala State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, aimed at converting Kerala into the most biodiversity-friendly State by 2035. The local-level action plan would be implemented by integrating biodiversity management with climate change and health, he added.