The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is an initiative by the Government of India to encourage industries, companies, and other entities to undertake voluntary environmental measures, particularly tree plantation, resulting in the award of Green Credits. It was notified by the Government of India on 12th October 2023 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Industries, companies, government institutions, public sector undertakings, non-government organizations, philanthropists, and individuals are encouraged to participate in the Green Credit Programme.

Forest Departments/Forest Development Corporations of States and UTs will be the Implementing agency (IA) for tree plantation based Green Credit Programme. IA is responsible for identifying the suitable plantation blocks and further carry out the plantation activities on the land selected by the entities.

Degraded forest land parcels under the control and management of Forest Departments of the States and UTs are eligible for the programme. The land must be suitable for plantation, meeting specific criteria regarding density, size, and absence of encumbrances.

Government institutions, public sector undertakings, NGOs, private companies/organizations/entities, philanthropists, and individuals registered under the Societies Registration Act qualify as Green Credit Applicants (GCAs). They can register by providing required details on the GCP Portal.

Registered GCAs desiring Green Credits (GCs) can select a minimum area of 5 hectares from the plantation block registered on the GCP Portal.

The IA is responsible for ensuring completion of plantation within two years after receipt of payment. Implementing officer will also uploads the plantation completion and progress reports on the GCP portal. IA is also responsible for maintenance of plantation for further 10 year.

The Administrator awards GCs to the entity based on the total number of trees planted in selected blocks and the plantation completion certificate generated online by the IA.

Plantation records/details are maintained online, and intensive monitoring is conducted by field officers. A monitoring committee submits half-yearly reports, and third-party engagement is involved for independent monitoring.

The plantation taken under GCP, may be swapped for compliance of Compensatory Afforestation (CA) in case of diversion of forest land under Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, as applicable.

GCs earned may be mentioned under ESG leadership indicator or under CSR, as per applicable rules.

Appropriate recognition shall be accorded to the GCAs who earn significant quantum of green credits.