Carbon credits can become a major revenue source for Uttarakhand, says Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. Electric buses, Van Panchayats and PACS to generate carbon credits for national and international markets.
Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan on Friday chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat to review initiatives related to carbon credits. During the meeting, he took detailed inputs from concerned departments on the progress made and the scope for further action in this emerging sector.
The Chief Secretary stated that carbon credits have the potential to become a significant and sustainable source of revenue for Uttarakhand. He emphasized that all departments must explore carbon credit opportunities within their respective domains and initiate necessary preparations to leverage these benefits. He clarified that the Environment Department will function as the nodal department for carbon credit initiatives in the state.
Highlighting the need for an effective beginning, the Chief Secretary advised focusing initially on “low-hanging fruits”—projects that offer quick and achievable success. He noted that the state is in the process of launching nearly 1,000 electric buses, through which the Transport Department can reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits.
He further stated that the Forest Department, through Van Panchayats, and the Cooperation Department, through PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), can also generate carbon credits. These credits can be sold in national and international markets, creating additional income streams and promoting economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
The Chief Secretary directed the Environment Department to soon onboard a competent agency as a knowledge partner to support technical, regulatory, and market-related aspects of carbon credits. He also instructed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and prepare a structured, time-bound action plan.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, APCCF S.P. Subuddhi, senior officials from various departments, and senior representatives from NABARD.
