Green Credit Programme (GCP)

Why in News?
The Government has highlighted the implementation of the Green Credit Programme (GCP), which incentivises voluntary environmental actions such as tree plantation and eco-restoration of degraded forest lands to support sustainable development and the objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

About the Green Credit Programme

• The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is a voluntary, market-based mechanism that rewards environmentally positive actions through the issuance of Green Credits.
• It aims to:
  • Increase green cover.
  • Enhance carbon sequestration.
  • Restore degraded forest lands.
  • Reduce the carbon footprint through environment-friendly technologies and practices.
• The programme supports the objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) by encouraging sustainable lifestyles and behavioural change.

Legal Framework

• The Green Credit Rules, 2023 were notified on 12 October 2023 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The modalities for tree plantation and eco-restoration of degraded forest lands were notified on 22 February 2024 and revised on 29 August 2025.

Implementation

• The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, serves as the Administrator of the programme.
• It is responsible for:
  • Implementation and management of the programme.
  • Operation of the Green Credit system.
  • Verification and issuance of Green Credits.
• A dedicated Green Credit Programme Portal has been developed for registration, monitoring and issuance of credits.

Key Features

• The programme encourages participation from public and private sector entities in restoring degraded forest lands.
• State Forest Departments identify and register eligible degraded forest land after field verification.
• Green Credits can be claimed only after:
  • At least five years of successful restoration work.
  • Achievement of a minimum canopy density of 40%, corresponding to a moderately dense forest.

Source: PIB

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