The government’s newly formed expert group on low carbon economy has identified construction activity, transport and power as the key areas for reducing carbon emissions. The 26-member expert group, headed by economist Kirit Parekh, was set up by the Planning Commission to suggest ways to reduce carbon emission intensity by 20 to 25 per cent below 2005 levels. Union minister of state for environment, Jairam Ramesh, had said the expert group will recommend steps that can be activated by the 12th five-year-plan period 2012-2017.
Asked why low carbon initiatives cannot be implemented now, a member of the committee said the government can’t do anything to control emissions during mid-term appraisal of the current five-year plan. The group will review existing studies on low carbon growth. The roadmap would include evaluation of alternative low carbon options and action plan comprising low carbon initiatives that would be sector-specific. The group will also recommend enabling legislations, rules and policies needed to implement the roadmap.The committee will submit its interim report in April and final report by September.