Green Credit Programme Thrives: Thousands of Hectares Designated for Tree Plantations
Thirteen Indian states have identified and registered 1,260 parcels of degraded land, totaling 35,123.5 hectares, for reforestation under the Green Credit Programme (GCP). This ambitious initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, incentivizes “environmentally positive” actions by granting credits for investments in various sustainable activities.
Tree Planting Takes Center Stage: CPSUs Invest in a Greener Future
Among the eight identified activities under the GCP, tree plantation has emerged as a frontrunner. Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) have already committed to investing in plantations across 16,550.02 hectares of land. These credits can be utilized to fulfill business sustainability obligations, fostering a harmonious relationship between economic growth and environmental preservation.
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat Lead the Way: States Embrace GCP
Leading the charge in land parcel registration under the scheme are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Jharkhand. In particular, CPSUs have earmarked significant areas for plantation in Gujarat (4,836.03 hectares) and Madhya Pradesh (4519.49 hectares), showcasing their dedication to environmental restoration.
To drive demand for green credits, the Environment Ministry has actively engaged with CPSUs, including Western Coalfields Limited, Coal India, and Oil India, who have expressed keen interest in participating in tree planting initiatives under the GCP.
Streamlined Process: From Registration to Plantation
The GCP’s implementation involves a streamlined process facilitated by a dedicated government portal. Interested parties register on the portal, while state forest departments play a pivotal role in identifying suitable parcels of degraded land. The Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, acts as the implementing agency, approving proposals and finalizing plans.
The responsibility of raising the plantations rests with the state forest departments, with a minimum requirement of 1,100 trees per hectare. Each mature tree yields one green credit, which can be traded on a future platform, further incentivizing sustainable practices.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Green Credit Programme encourages environmentally positive actions. | Through investments in eight identified activities, including tree plantation. |
| 13 states have registered 35,123.5 hectares of land for tree plantation. | CPSUs have committed to planting on 16,550.02 hectares. |
| Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are leading states in land registration. | CPSUs have earmarked significant areas for plantation in these states. |
| Environment Ministry actively engages with CPSUs. | To promote participation in tree planting initiatives under the GCP. |
| Streamlined process facilitates participation. | From registration to plantation, the GCP offers a user-friendly platform for environmental action. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
