A new national environmental award, the Zero Prize, has been announced to recognise measurable reductions in pollution across air, water, and land. Designed as India’s first results-based environmental prize, the initiative links financial rewards directly to independently verified improvements in environmental quality. It is being convened by the School of Policy and Governance (SPG) with support from philanthropic donors, corporate CSR partners, and institutional collaborators.
The ₹5 crore programme will offer ₹1 crore each in three categories—Air, Water, and Land—to projects that demonstrate scientifically validated pollution reduction within clearly defined locations. The announcement took place at the India Habitat Centre, with actor and environmental advocate Dia Mirza attending as Chief Guest alongside policymakers, sustainability experts, and industry leaders.
Applications are open to startups, NGOs, companies, municipal agencies, research institutions, and individual innovators across India. Participants must run real-world pilot projects in urban or peri-urban areas and undergo independent third-party monitoring. Proposals without measurable on-ground implementation will not be eligible.
Organisers say the award is intended to shift attention from pledges and pilot announcements to measurable environmental results. Each shortlisted project will establish a baseline and show quantifiable improvement over a 12-month period. Air quality projects will be assessed using fixed monitoring systems that account for weather conditions. Water initiatives will be measured against pollutant load indicators such as BOD, COD, suspended solids, and nutrient levels using CPCB-aligned methods. Land projects will be evaluated through traceable waste audits to confirm reduced leakage or improper disposal.
Saket Burman, Co-Founder of the Zero Prize and Vice Chairman of Dabur India Ltd, said the challenge aims to encourage practical, scalable solutions that make India’s air, water, and soil cleaner. He noted that the initiative seeks proven ideas with real-world impact rather than projections or promises.
Ruchir Punjabi, Chair of SPG, said the programme is designed to mobilise innovators across sectors to tackle pollution through measurable action. He added that the award aims to create a system where impactful environmental solutions are recognised and supported.
Applications open in March 2026 and close in August 2026. Winners will be announced in February 2027 after technical review, pilot execution, and independent verification. Findings from the projects will be made publicly available. Structured as an annual national initiative, the Zero Prize supports missions such as the National Clean Air Programme, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 by encouraging measurable environmental progress on the ground.
