Chhattisgarh 1st state in country to link forest ecosystem with Green GDP

Tendu leaves, lac, honey and medicinal plants contribute significantly to rural economy

- EJAZ KAISER @ Raipur

As a first, Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forests with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). The move aims to highlight the pre-eminent environmental contributions of forests, like clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity, and link them to the state's economic progress.

The action plan ensures achieving economic development while preserving the environment for future generations. The new approach assesses forests' often-overlooked benefits, such as regulating the climate, enriching soil quality, purifying water and absorbing carbon dioxide. The government will include these services in its economic planning exercise.