The first environmental NGO in India, the Wildlife Preservation Society of India, was established in 1970.

Climate change is a relatively recent phenomenon and has not been a major factor in the rise of environmental NGOs in India.

Tarun Bharat Sangh is a prominent environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of water conservation for over three decades.

Dasholi Gram Swarajya Sangh is a grassroots environmental NGO that played a leading role in the Chipko movement, a non-violent protest against deforestation in the Himalayas.

Kalpavriksh is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental education for over four decades.

Beej Bachao Andolan is a prominent environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of sustainable agriculture for over two decades.

Toxics Link is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of waste management for over two decades.

Climate Action Network South Asia is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of climate change for over two decades.

Foundation for Ecological Security is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of biodiversity conservation for over two decades.

Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental law for over two decades.

Environmental Impact Assessment Association of India is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental impact assessment for over two decades.

Institute of Environmental Auditors of India is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental auditing for over two decades.

Confederation of Indian Industry is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental management systems for over two decades.

The Energy and Resources Institute is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental technology for over two decades.

National Institute of Public Finance and Policy is a leading environmental NGO in India that has been working in the field of environmental policy for over two decades.