Himachal set to become first carbon-free state

Priya Yadav

Chandigarh: Himachal Pradesh, which has mandated all government departments to begin the environment audit, is on its way to becoming the country’s first and the world’s second carbon-free state.

The people of Himachal will be expected to undergo lifestyle changes, according to the environment master plan and ‘Policy & Strategy on Climate Change & Harnessing Carbon Credits’. The policy will focus on the functioning of all departments, especially those involved in development. “We must ensure that the technology used for projects like road cutting and tunnel digging is not harmful to flora and fauna,’’ said Arun Sharma, secretary to CM P K Dhumal.

The plan entails a novel approach towards how civic bodies dispose off garbage and contractors involved hydel projects do away with the muck. The HP government will sign an MoU with the state of California in this regard. Over the years, India is expected to earn $2.27 billion from selling certified emissions reduction to the US. “The state will announce the implementation of its carbon neutral policy by March,’’ said environment and forest minister J P Nadda. “About 12,000 hectares have been made available for carbon credits. A validator from World Bank is to verify that this land is available for only growing trees.’’ Most of this land is under panchayats where at least four CFL bulbs have been distributed free of cost per family.

HOW GREEN IS MY VALLEY: The HP govt has framed a policy to start environment audits and ensure that technology used for development doesn’t harm flora & fauna