India's Green Credit Programme Takes Off: 4,258 Hectares Restored, Environmental Goals Ahead
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New Delhi: The Indian government's ambitious Green Credit Programme has kicked off with a bang, as 17 entities have come together to restore 4,258 hectares of degraded land. The Union Environment Ministry made the announcement in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The programme, aimed at tackling land degradation, identifies and restores degraded land parcels with financial support from various public and private entities, including industries. The State Forest Department verifies the land on the ground before registering it under the programme. Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh revealed that the Green Credits can be claimed only after a minimum of five years of restoration work and a 40% canopy density have been achieved. The designated agency will conduct verification and submit a report to ensure transparency and accountability. The programme aims to enhance biodiversity, improve ecological health, and boost forest productivity. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is in charge of implementing the programme. In a separate development, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change clarified that the Central government has not granted prior approval for the diversion of 1,742 hectares of forest land for the Kente Extension coal block in Chhattisgarh's Hasdeo Arand forest. The proposal was submitted by the State Government on November 25, 2025, but no objections have been received from local gram sabhas.
