Uttarakhand Pioneers Gross Environment Product Index for Sustainable Development

Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to introduce the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index, measuring the environmental impact of development activities. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and environmentalist Anil Joshi, the GEP index encompasses air, water, soil, and forest quality. This initiative aims to balance economy and ecology.

Uttarakhand has taken a significant step towards sustainable development by becoming the first state in India to implement the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index. This pioneering initiative was announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who emphasized its importance in evaluating the environmental consequences of developmental activities.

The GEP equation has been meticulously developed based on the quality indices of air, water, soil, and forests. Dhami highlighted that this measure translates ecological services into monetary terms, serving as a critical tool for balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.

The index, conceived by noted environmentalist Anil Joshi, will monitor the health of four key environmental constituents directly affected by development: air and water quality, the number of trees planted annually, and the area of organic soil. An improvement in these factors will reflect positively on the GEP index, signifying environmental harmony. Conversely, deterioration due to industrial activities will cause a decline in the index.

(With inputs from agencies.)