Metro to go green for subsidy

Metro to go green for subsidy
From Ajith Athrady, DH News Service, New Delhi:
Bangalore Metro's eyes are fixed on deriving some green dividend to effectively subsidise the rail project cost.

And, strict adoption of stringent international environmental norms during the construction stages and subsequently in the operation of the service would go a long way in Bangalore Metro’s plans to earn what is called carbon credit under the Kyoto protocol. Accumulation of carbon credit by keeping a strict check over carbon emissions during construction and operation would enable the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) exchange it for preferential trading agreement with developed countries.

Global standards
The BMRC has to meet well-stipulated global standards by following eco-friendly techniques during the construction of Metro corridors and its operation, said a senior official in the Union Urban Development Ministry which is also a partner in the implementation of the rail project.

A BMRC board meeting held recently under the chairmanship of Union Urban Development Secretary M Ramachandra, has decided to claim carbon credit for the project by adopting all environment-friendly methods under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) provisions of the Kyoto Protocol.

With this decision, the BMRC plans to approach the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest with a list of eco-friendly methods being adopted in the project to secure its necessary certification.

CARBON CREDITS
Under the Kyoto Protocol, developed countries have to reduce emissions as compared to 1990 levels from 2008 onwards and until the year 2012. If they cannot do so, they have the option of buying carbon credit points from developing countries by funding clean energy projects in those countries.

Effectively, therefore, carbon points are like a unit of trading like stock market shares or gold. Developing countries can accumulate carbon credit by following environment-friendly practices.