In October 2023, the Government of India launched two key environmental initiatives—the Green Credit Programme (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme—to promote sustainability and eco-friendly practices across individuals, communities, and businesses. While the GCP incentivizes voluntary environmental actions, the Ecomark Scheme focuses on endorsing environmentally friendly products through accreditation and labelling.
Current Status of the Green Credit Programme
The GCP has already made significant progress in afforestation efforts. As of now, 17 states have allocated 57,700 hectares of degraded forest land for tree plantations. Leading contributors include:
- Madhya Pradesh – 15,200 hectares
- Andhra Pradesh – 11,361 hectares
- Gujarat – 6,760 hectares
- Jharkhand – 5,648 hectares
- Tamil Nadu – 4,708 hectares
- Bihar – 4,108 hectares
Understanding the Green Credit Programme
The GCP operates as a market-based mechanism that rewards voluntary environmental actions. It enables individuals and private entities to participate in tree plantations and eco-restoration activities on degraded land. Participants earn Green Credits, which can be traded or utilized to fulfill compensatory afforestation requirements.
The programme is administered by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), with guidance from an inter-ministerial Steering Committee.
Objectives of the Green Credit Programme
- Promote afforestation and water conservation
- Encourage private-sector participation in environmental efforts
- Restore degraded forest land
- Facilitate the exchange of Green Credits through a user-friendly digital platform
Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products
The Ecomark Scheme is designed to certify and label products that meet specific environmental standards. This initiative replaces the earlier Ecomark notification and ensures that accredited products adhere to stringent sustainability criteria.
The scheme is administered by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), fostering transparency and credibility in eco-labelling.
Objectives of the Ecomark Scheme
- Encourage consumers to make informed choices by identifying environmentally sustainable products
- Promote eco-conscious manufacturing practices among industries
- Prevent misleading environmental claims through standardized labelling
- Enhance public awareness of sustainable consumption
Impact on Sustainability Practices
The Green Credit Programme and Ecomark Scheme exemplify India’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. These initiatives align with global sustainability goals by promoting responsible afforestation, water conservation, and eco-friendly consumer habits.
By encouraging environmentally conscious behaviors among individuals and businesses, these programs are expected to foster a long-term culture of sustainable development and ecological responsibility in India.