Arunachal seeks green bonus, special funds from 16th FC

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh deputy CM Chowna Mein on Tuesday urged the 16th Finance Commission to consider a ‘green bonus' for the state in recognition of its contribution to national carbon absorption and biodiversity conservation.

Addressing a meeting with the members of the commission at the chief minister's office in Itanagar, Mein, who also holds the finance portfolio, said Arunachal's forest cover accounts for nearly 79% of its total geographical area, playing a vital role in achieving the country's environmental goals.

He underscored the opportunity cost of forest preservation and stressed the need for adequate compensation to the state for maintaining ecological balance, a statement from the dy CM's office said.