This paper aims to facilitate discussion on the topic of greening post COVID-19 economic recovery so that recovery measures are more aligned with sustainable development. It is based on the analysis of more than 160 environmental fiscal measures announced during the 2008 financial crisis, questionnaire responses by stakeholders, and perspectives brought forth through a webinar organized by TERI and GGGI.
The COVID-19 crisis has shown that growth must be both inclusive and sustainable in the long term. Recently, the Prime Minister announced a special economic package of INR 20 lakh crores for 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' or a 'self-reliant India’ which would better integrate India with the world. Recovery packages provide opportunity to take much awaited steps to green the economy in sectors that have the maximum impact on sustainable development. Both sustenance and sustainability have to be the cornerstones of economic recovery as India responds to this crisis.