Industries to be encouraged for earning carbon credits

The ever-increasing pollution levels in developed countries and the Kyoto Protocol norms where developing countries can sell carbon credits has caught the eye of the Gujarat government. The new industrial policy of the state is likely to include incentives for earning carbon credits. The government is drafting a policy that would help local industries curb air,water and land pollution.

Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries with a greenhouse gas reduction commitment have been investing in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries as an alternative to more expensive emission reduction in their own countries that is known as Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

In the proposed policy, the task force has recommended to provide financial assistance up to 25 per cent of the plant cost with a ceiling of Rs 25 lakh for setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to decrease green house gas emission through CDM.

The task force formed to shape the New Industrial Policy has recommended to give 50 per cent with ceiling of Rs 50,000 for reduction of 20 per cent carbon foot print. A system is been evolved for strict observation of the rules related to air, water and land pollution in almost 15,000 polluted units functioning in the state. Further, all the details of the Pollution Control Board have been put online.

There are around 10 industrial townships, of whom some are major pollutants. Common environment infrastructure projects including conveyance pipelines for treated industrial waste water and sewage have been set up in these townships.

The task force has recommended financial help up to 25 per cent of the project cost for the same. Possibility of viability gap funding would also be explored. A common recycling/reuse/recovery project for solid and liquid waste including hazardous waste is being made in these townships.

The task force has also recommended financial help up to 25 per cent of the project cost for setting up such common facilities. With an aim to encourage green practices ,the task force has recommended monetary assistance up to 25 per cent with a ceiling of Rs 5 lakh for setting up an environment management cell.

This cell would help the respective industry to curb pollution. If units are willing to take up periodic environmental audits and energy audits , specifically for third party, the government might provide financial help up to 50 per cent with a ceiling of Rs 50,000 per audit.

To encourage better maintenance, 25 per cent of the project or plant cost with ceiling of Rs1 lakh could be given as financial help. For studies, scientific report, pilot studies on issues related to cleaner production, safety, human health ,environment and industrial properties to be commissioned by Industries Commissioner (IC) with the help of Semi-Government/ Government organisation the government is thinking of providing up to 25 per cent of the project cost with ceiling of Rs 25 lakh.

The task force has recommended grading and ranking of the industries according to their environmental performance and to award medals and passes along with certificate and cash price of Rs 1 lakh .