Uttarakhand Becomes the 1st State to Launch GEP Index for Environment

Current Context: Uttarakhand has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian state to introduce the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index. 

• Spearheaded by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and environmentalist Anil Joshi, this innovative index measures the environmental impact of development activities.
• Here are the key details:
• The GEP index aims to quantify the value of ecological services in monetary terms.
• It assesses the condition of four main environmental constituents directly impacted by development activities:
• Air quality
• Water quality
• Forest health
• Area of organic soil
• If local environmental quality (including air, water, soil, and other factors) improves, the GEP index reflects this improvement.
• Conversely, if developmental or industrial activities lead to a decline in environmental quality, the GEP index shows a corresponding decline.
• Balancing Economy and Ecology:
• Uttarakhand’s introduction of the GEP Index aligns with its commitment to sustainable development.
• The state recently secured the top rank in the country for Sustainable Development Goals.

Question:

1 Which Indian state has become the first to introduce the GEP index?

• A) Uttarakhand
• B) Himachal Pradesh
• C) Uttar Pradesh
• D) Maharashtra

Answer: A) Uttarakhand has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian state to introduce the Gross Environment Product (GEP) index.