New norms to tie green credits to tree survival in degraded forest land

THE Union environment ministry has revised the rules to calculate and award 'green credits' for tree plantation on degraded forest land.

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @New Delhi

Under the new system, green credits will be awarded only after five years of restoration work and once the land achieves 40% canopy density.

Earlier, these credits were awarded after two years of plantation subject to certain conditions.

"On completion of minimum five years of restoration activities in the degraded forest land parcel, and after achieving a minimum canopy density of forty per cent (40% canopy density), the applicant shall be eligible to submit a claim report for award of Green Credit," the new rules said.