Pune, 22nd July 2026: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to take a step beyond environmental conservation by exploring carbon credit trading as a new source of revenue. The civic body plans to earn carbon credits from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sell them in domestic and international carbon markets, creating an additional income stream while promoting sustainable development.
The proposal covers several ongoing civic initiatives, including solid waste management, sewage treatment plants, biogas facilities, solar energy projects, LED streetlights, electric buses, tree plantation drives, construction and demolition waste recycling, and treated wastewater reuse. Since these projects reduce carbon emissions, they can qualify for certified carbon credits after scientific assessment.
Mayor Manjusha Nagpure has proposed the creation of a dedicated Carbon Credit Cell within PMC. The proposal has been placed before the Standing Committee, which has sought the administration's opinion.
If approved, the cell will survey all eligible projects, scientifically calculate the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and complete the required registration process for carbon credits. PMC may also appoint expert agencies or consultants to carry out technical assessments and certification.
India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, and the Central Government is developing a national carbon credit trading mechanism. Against this backdrop, PMC aims to leverage its existing environmental projects to generate financial returns while contributing to climate action.
The revenue earned from carbon credit trading is proposed to be reinvested in environmental protection, river rejuvenation, renewable energy, sanitation, parks and other sustainable civic infrastructure projects.
A carbon credit represents the reduction of one metric tonne of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Its market value depends on certification standards, project quality and market demand. In the voluntary carbon market, prices generally range between ₹500 and ₹4,000 per credit, with premium projects attracting higher values.
Considering Pune's large-scale civic infrastructure and industrial ecosystem, the proposal suggests that the municipal corporation has the potential to earn substantial revenue through carbon credit trading.
Among Indian cities, Indore has initiated carbon credit registration for its bio-CNG, waste management and bio-methanation projects, while Surat has adopted carbon credit mechanisms for energy efficiency and sewage treatment projects. PMC hopes to build on these examples and establish a structured carbon credit program for the city.
"Pune Municipal Corporation has been implementing several initiatives to reduce air and water pollution for many years. Integrating these efforts with the carbon credit mechanism will strengthen our environmental initiatives while creating an additional source of revenue. This will help us undertake more sustainable and citizen-centric green projects in the future," said Mayor Manjusha Nagpure.
