Chhattisgarh First State to Link Forest Ecosystem with Green GDP
Chhattisgarh became the first Indian state to incorporate the ecological services of its forests into its economic framework by adopting the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP) model. This initiative aims to link environmental contributions—such as clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity—to the state's economic growth, ensuring sustainable development while preserving natural resources for future generations.
Green GDP is an alternative economic indicator that accounts for environmental costs associated with economic activities. Unlike traditional GDP, which measures economic output without considering ecological degradation, Green GDP includes factors like resource depletion and pollution, providing a more comprehensive view of a region's economic and environmental health.
Jan 02, 2025
Reviving the Ganga: Pivotal Sewerage Projects Approved in NMCG's 59th Executive Committee Meeting
The 59th Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired by Rajeev Kumar Mital, in New Delhi, Director-General, NMCG, approved several critical projects dedicated to the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River. These initiatives are aimed at promoting the cleanliness, sustainable development, and preservation of the environmental and cultural significance of the river.
The Executive Committee of NMCG undertook key initiatives to further strengthen the efforts for the rejuvenation and cleanliness of the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. Projects worth Rs. 272 crore were approved for Chandauli and Manikpur. The project in Chandauli, with an estimated cost of Rs. 263 crore, is based on the hybrid annuity model and involves the construction of a 45 MLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant and other supporting structures. This initiative is designed to reinforce the river management system, with O&M ensured for the next 15 years. Additionally, a Faecal Sludge Management Project in Manikpur, Pratapgarh district, has been approved at a cost of Rs. 9 crore. This project includes the development of a 15 KLD capacity Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant and a 35 KW solar power plant, ensuring eco-friendly waste management solutions and effective operations for the next five years.
Dec 26, 2024
Narendra Modi Minister Inaugurates the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project
In line with his commitment to energy sufficiency and promoting green energy, Prime Minister inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project established at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh vitually. The project will reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the Government's mission of net zero carbon emission by 2070. It will also help in water conservation by reducing water evaporation.
He also laid the foundation stone of the Daudhan Irrigation Project, part of the river-linking project.
Dec 24, 2024
Government of India and Asian Development Bank Sign $500 Million Loan
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $500 million loan to support green and sustainable infrastructure projects aligned with the country's climate commitments on 20th December 2024. The ADB loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will be extended to the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).
The signatories to the Financing Environmentally Sustainable Growth in Infrastructure Project were Juhi Mukherjee Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, for the Government of India, and Country Director Mio Oka for ADB.
ADB financing will help IIFCL provide long-term capital for infrastructure projects focusing on connectivity and energy transition as well as under-resourced sectors like urban projects, education, and health care.
Dec 23, 2024
Odisha 2nd in India for Maximum Increase in Green Cover Inside Forest Area
Odisha ranked second in the country for maximum increase in green cover inside recorded forest area, according to the latest India State of Forest Report-2023.
Published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, the report, released by Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav, provides a detailed assessment of the nation's forest and tree resources.
According to the report, Odisha reported an increase of 118.17 sq km of forest inside the recorded forest area, while Mizoram was at the top position with an increase of 192.92 sq km.
Karnataka recorded an increase of 93.14 sq km of forest, West Bengal (64.79 sq km), and neighbouring Jharkhand's growth was 52.72 sq km.