The Government recently abandoned nine such projects on the fear that they would play havoc with local hill ecology and environment.

Himachal rich ground for carbon credits

Under the Kyoto protocol, industrialised countries can earn carbon credits by backing projects in developing countries like India, China and Brazil which offer opportunities for reducing greenhouses gases. Himachal Pradesh provides a rich mining ground as its total hydel power potential is estimated at 21,000 MW, of which only 3,600 MW has been harnessed so far. Carbon credits are trading in the international market at 10 to 12 Euros currently. According to guidelines framed by the National Clean Development Authority, a project promoter has to meet the parameters of emissions and sustainable development apart from social well-being, economic well-being, environmental well-being and technological well-being to apply for carbon credits.