February 13, 2025
Introduction:
The Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Eco mark Scheme are two initiatives launched by the Government of India in October 2023. These programs aim to promote environmental sustainability and encourage eco-friendly practices among individuals, communities, and businesses. The GCP incentivizes voluntary environmental actions, while the Eco mark Scheme focuses on promoting eco-friendly products.
Current Status of GCP:
- 17 states have allocated 57,700 hectares of degraded forest land for tree plantations.
- Madhya Pradesh leads with 15,200 hectares, followed by:
- Andhra Pradesh (11,361 ha)
- Gujarat (6,760 ha)
- Jharkhand (5,648 ha)
- Tamil Nadu (4,708 ha)
- Bihar (4,108 ha)
Green Credit Program
- The GCP is a market-based mechanism designed to reward voluntary environmental actions.
- It allows individuals and private entities to undertake tree plantation and other eco-restoration activities on degraded land.
- Participants can earn Green Credits, which can be traded or used to meet compliance requirements for compensatory afforestation.
- The program is administered by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee.
Objectives of the Green Credit Programme
- The primary objectives of the GCP include promoting afforestation and water conservation.
- It encourages diverse stakeholders, including private sector industries, to engage in environmental actions.
- The program aims to restore degraded forest land while facilitating the exchange of Green Credits through a user-friendly digital platform.
About Eco mark Scheme
The Eco mark Scheme aims to promote eco-friendly products by providing accreditation and labelling. It replaces the previous Eco mark notification and ensures that products meet specific environmental criteria. The scheme is administered by the Central Pollution Control Board in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Objectives of the Eco mark Scheme
- The Eco mark Scheme encourages consumers to make informed choices by denoting products with minimal environmental impact.
- It aims to build awareness of environmental issues and motivate manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly production practices.
- Accurate labelling is a key focus to prevent misleading information about products.
Impact on Sustainability Practices
Both the GCP and Eco mark Scheme reflect India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. They align with global sustainability goals and promote eco-conscious behaviors among individuals and businesses. The initiatives are expected to encourage a culture of environmental responsibility in India.