Green Credit Cell
Green Credit Programme
“I feel this is the time to talk about green credit. India is working in this direction by developing Green Credit Framework through which we can initiate climate positive actions.” and “we should think towards how to develop business by using Green Credit Program”.
-Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, G20 summit 2023
In this endeavour, Green Credit Rules 2023 were notified by the Government of India on 12th October 2023 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, as a mechanism to encourage voluntary plantation activity across the country, resulting in the award of Green Credits and to build an inventory of degraded land which can be utilised for eco-restoration under green credit programme.
Objectives of the Green Credit Programme:
GCP aims to set up a dynamic land bank for plantations, which will be accessible through a dedicated web portal. This facility allows State Forest departments to register degraded forest lands, creating an inventory that serves as a valuable resource for voluntary plantation initiatives.
Encouraging government institutions, public sector undertakings, non-governmental organizations, private companies, philanthropies, individuals, and groups registered under the Societies Registration Act to choose plantation blocks from the registered options for promoting afforestation efforts.
The GCP operates through technology-driven tools, including a web platform and a registry. These digital resources enable efficient registration, verification, and monitoring of plantation activities.
In recognition of the tangible and intangible benefits of tree plantations, "Green Credits" will be awarded as a key incentive for entities participating in afforestation efforts. The issuance of these credits will adhere to methodologies and guidelines set by the Administrator.
Aims:
To enhance India's forest and tree cover
To create an inventory of degraded land managed by Forest Departments that is suitable for plantation.
To promote participation in pro-environment initiatives by offering Green Credits as rewards.
Green Credit Cell (GCC) at ICFRE (HQ):
As an administrator of GCP, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education has established a robust "Green Credit Cell" with a dedicated team of officers and scientists to effectively implement the program, guided by the Director General of ICFRE and the Director of International Cooperation.
Responsibilities:
To develop guidelines, methodologies, standards, registration process and procedures for implementing the program.
To establish Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) mechanisms.
To formulate guidelines for the setup and operation of the Green Credit Portal.
To develop guidelines for the issuance of green credits.
To coordinate with state forest departments and relevant entities.
To oversee the overall administration of the Green Credit Programme.
Salient achievements, GCC:
Established a strong "Green Credit Cell."
Developed a dedicated portal for the implementing the Green Credit Programme.
Formulation of various Methodology and guidelines for GCP
Registration of individuals and entities in the GCP portal.
Designation of State Nodal Officers/Implementing Officers from various states.
Established Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) mechanisms.
Imparting trainings to implementing agency i.e. state forest departments
For more information please visit:https://moefcc-gcp.in
People
|
Smt. Arti Chaudhary, IFS |
|
Sh. Mahaling, IFS |
|
Ajay Kumar |
|
Dr. Vinod Kumar |
|
Mr. Sumantra Basu |
|
Sh. Muthu Prasad. T |
|
Mr. Ashwath Hegde |
|
Dr. Siddhartha Arya |
|
Mr. Shahid A. M |
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Mr. Ravi Dutt E-mail: ravi.dutt2504[at]gov[dot]in / duttr[at]icfre[dot]org |
|
Mr. Nagendra Pratap Singh |
Contact
Smt. Arti Chaudhary, IFS
Director, Green Credit Cell
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
P.O. New Forest, Dehra Dun
(Uttarakhand) - INDIA
Pin Code: 248006
Phone: +91-135-2756497, 2224831 (O)
Fax : +91-135-2756497
E-mail: dir_pic[at]icfre[dot]org
Last reviewed and updated on: 04 Sep 2025

