Green Credit Programme: Parliamentary Q&A on Restoration and Rules
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently informed the Lok Sabha about the Green Credit Programme in a written reply. This highlights the government's ongoing efforts to promote eco-friendly actions and restore degraded forest lands. The programme is part of the Mission LiFE initiative and has seen recent amendments to its implementation process.
Background
The Green Credit Programme was launched under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, with the Green Credit Rules notified on 12 October 2023. It aims to incentivize voluntary environmental actions, including tree plantation and restoration of degraded forest land, by issuing green credits. The programme is administered by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun.
Key facts
The Green Credit Programme is an innovative mechanism to encourage eco-friendly actions and promote Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
It aims to increase green cover, enhance carbon sequestration, restore degraded land, and reduce carbon emissions.
The Green Credit Rules, 2023 were notified on 12 October 2023 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The process for tree plantation and ecological restoration of degraded forest land was notified on 22 February 2024 and amended on 29 August 2025.
A dedicated portal (https://moefccgcp.in/) has been developed for the programme.
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, is the administrator responsible for management, operation, and issuance of green credits.
Green credits can be claimed only after at least five years of restoration work and achieving a minimum canopy density of 40%.
The programme aims to benefit local communities by increasing availability of wood, non-wood forest products, fodder, water, and other ecosystem services.
A 'Designated Agency' verifies green credit claims and reports to the administrator.
A comprehensive manual on monitoring and reporting of restoration activities has been prepared.
Prelims pointers
- Green Credit Programme
- Green Credit Rules, 2023
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Mission LiFE
- Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- Lok Sabha
- Date: 12 October 2023
- Date: 22 February 2024
- Date: 29 August 2025
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of the Green Credit Programme in promoting sustainable development and achieving climate goals.
- Critically examine the implementation challenges of the Green Credit Programme in restoring degraded forest lands.
- Evaluate the role of market-based mechanisms like Green Credits in environmental conservation and community welfare.