India’s semi-arid grasslands were wrongly labeled as “wastelands” since colonial times. These biodiverse areas are crucial for wildlife and millions of pastoralists. Research now shows grasslands store large amounts of carbon underground, aiding climate change mitigation. In Maharashtra’s Solapur district, the state forest department used CAMPA funds to restore degraded grasslands. Native grasses were planted and studied by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment and The Grasslands Trust. Results showed a 21% increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) after two years and 50% after three years compared to unrestored sites. In Gujarat’s Banni grassland, community-led efforts removed invasive trees and restored native grasses. Banni stores about 27 metric tonnes of carbon per hectare up to 30 cm deep, making it one of the most carbon-rich dry ecosystems globally. These studies highlight that healthy grasslands are key to carbon capture, soil health, and climate resilience, especially in drylands. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes that soil holds twice as much carbon as the atmosphere and vegetation combined. On World Soil Day 2025, the lesson is clear: India’s climate solutions run deep beneath our feet. Restoring grasslands can play a major role, complementing forest efforts and protecting ecosystems that have stored carbon for centuries.