In Kyoto, in 1997, nations of the world agreed the Clean Development Mechanism (cdm) was a competent way to combat climate change. The process would assist developed countries in lightening their burden of excessive greenhouse gas emissions. It would help developing countries on to a less polluting growth trajectory. Says the 2003 National Action Plan to operationalise Clean Development Mechanism in India: it is important the country should gear up and get ready...to take the maximum advantage of the CDM, which will not only benefit the industries, the farmers and project promoters, but will also help...in achieving the objectives of Sustainable Development, reducing pollution and promoting environmental protection. What has unfolded in India since then? How has cdm operationalised here? ritu gupta, shams kazi and julian cheatle investigate