Forest dept to launch tree banking scheme to reduce carbon emissions

Scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers to plant trees besides expanding tree cover

- ABHILASH CHANDRAN @Kottayam

TAKING a cue from the successful 'tree banking' project implemented by Wayanad's Meenangadi grama panchayat under the previous LDF government, Kerala forest department has come up with an enhanced 'tree banking scheme'.

The scheme, aimed at expanding tree cover beyond traditional forest areas in the state, will provide financial assistance to farmers to plant trees on their land.

The objective of incentivizing the planting of trees on private lands is to offset carbon emissions and thereby promote environmental sustainability, said officials. Additionally, the scheme seeks to bolster the supply of timber in the local market.