The Green Credit Programme has been strengthened with fresh rules to restore degraded forest lands and promote sustainable livelihoods. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) answered a Lok Sabha query, outlining the programme’s objectives, implementation framework, and eligibility criteria.
Key Developments
- Green Credit Rules, 2023 were notified on 12 Oct 2023 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Specific guidelines for tree plantation and eco‑restoration were released on 22 Feb 2024 and revised on 29 Aug 2025.
- The programme is administered by the ICFRE, Dehradun.
- Eligibility requires a minimum of five years of restoration work and achieving at least 40% canopy density before credits can be claimed.
- A dedicated portal (moefccgcp.in) has been launched for applications, monitoring, and reporting.
Important Facts
The programme targets degraded forest lands identified and registered by State Forest Departments after ground verification. Restoration activities focus on increasing green cover, enhancing carbon sequestration, and improving ecosystem services such as timber, non‑timber forest produce, fodder, and water for local communities.
A designated agency conducts verification of each claim. The Administrator (ICFRE) issues credits only after the agency confirms that the five‑year establishment period is complete and the required canopy density target is met.
A comprehensive Manual on Monitoring and Reporting guides stakeholders on data collection, progress tracking, and credit issuance.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the Mission LiFE linkage helps aspirants answer questions on climate action, community participation, and green financing. The scheme illustrates how environmental law (EPA 1986) is operationalised through policy instruments, a frequent topic in GS3. Moreover, the role of research institutions like ICFRE showcases inter‑departmental coordination, relevant for GS2 (Polity) and GS4 (Ethics).
Way Forward
To maximise impact, the government should:
- Expand the list of designated agencies across states for faster verification.
- Integrate credit trading with existing carbon market mechanisms to attract private investment.
- Strengthen capacity building for forest‑dependent communities to meet the canopy density requirement.
- Periodically review the manual and update monitoring technology for real‑time tracking.
Effective implementation will not only restore ecosystems but also generate livelihood opportunities, aligning with India’s broader climate commitments.