Study to calculate gross environment product of state

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, September 1

The Department of Economics and Statistics (DES) will undertake a study to calculate the gross environment product (GEP) and provide a framework for green accounting of the state.

At the launch of the workshop today, a broad framework was discussed for monetising the value of air, water, rivers, glaciers, fishing, land, wetland, and minerals, allowing the state to account for its natural capital.

Jairaj, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Planning and Environment, said “For a state like Uttarakhand, the evaluation of accounting parameters and indexes for measuring environmental health is of a paramount importance. This can form a strong basis for the state to claim a green bonus for its conservation efforts,” he said.

The study aims to establish a sustainable environment performance customised to suit the local socio-economic scenario of Uttarakhand. The indicator will track performance of the state on environmental parameters, create awareness about the needs for conservation to ensure long-term growth and enable corrective actions in planning as needed.

Ranjit Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, DES, Uttarakhand, said “It is important to appreciate the interplay of various components in the ecosystem. The financial valuation of ecosystem services is the best way to communicate their importance.”

The study, commissioned by Directorate of Economics (DES), Uttarakhand, is being carried out by the Centre for Ecological Services Management (CESM), Bhopal.