The Central Government has proposed a draft methodology for ‘Water Harvesting-based Green Credit’ under the Green Credit Rules, 2023. This draft was issued on 23rd October, 2023.
These proposed amendments aim to further enhance the Green Credit Programme’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable water harvesting projects. The draft methodology has been published in the Official Gazette for public review.
The Green Credit Rules, 2023, were published in the Gazette of India on October 12, 2023, providing a framework for green credit programs aimed at promoting environmental conservation initiatives. These rules empower the government to implement and regulate such programs effectively.
The proposed methodology addresses water harvesting projects and outlines various parameters for their eligibility and verification under the Green Credit Programme:
Key Elements of the Draft Methodology for Water Harvesting-based Green Credit:
- Project Type: The methodology specifies that eligible projects are water harvesting projects.
- Project Proponents: All individuals, entities, cooperatives, and local bodies, including Sustainable Agricultural Enterprises, Eco-development committees, and Forest Management Committees, are considered eligible project proponents.
- Site Selection: Suitable sites for setting up water harvesting structures may include government land, community land, or individual land, as long as they are appropriate for the project.
- Water Conservation/Harvesting Structures: The methodology defines the types and sizes of water conservation/harvesting structures that may be established, ranging from earthen ponds to poly tanks. The minimum size/storage capacity for such structures is 100 cubic meters or 1 lakh liters, with a maximum size of 10,000 cubic meters.
- Registration: The methodology outlines the registration process, including baseline data, land ownership records, project proponent information, commitment to maintain the structure, and an undertaking not to harm natural ecosystems.
- Calculation of Green Credit (GC): The methodology provides a formula for calculating the issuance of Green Credits based on the capacity of the water harvesting structure, year-wise distribution, and rainfall zone multiplier.
- Verification and Issuance of GCs: It delineates the verification and issuance process, including the submission of geotagged photos and population survival and growth data.
- Green Credit Programme Process: The methodology outlines the steps in the Green Credit Programme process, from project registration to transfer and retirement.
Additionally, the methodology clarifies that any water harvesting project covered under existing or new laws, as amended, will also be registered under the Green Credit Rules, 2023, and may trade or generate Green Credits as mandated under those laws or regulations.
The public is encouraged to review the proposed methodology, and any objections or suggestions can be addressed to the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, JorBagh Road, New Delhi – 110003, or sent via email to sohsmd-mef@gov.in within 15 days from the date of publication of the draft in the Official Gazette. These objections and suggestions will be considered by the Central Government in the further development of the Green Credit Programme.
These amendments reflect the government’s dedication to promoting sustainable water harvesting practices and environmental conservation through the Green Credit Programme.
