Chandigarh to Map Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Assess Carbon Storage Potential

Chandigarh Administration plans a UT-wide carbon footprint assessment, including Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, to identify emission sources and evaluate natural carbon storage capacity.

By All India Story

22 Oct 2026, 3:47 AM IST 2 min read

Aerial view of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary in Chandigarh, included in the UT's proposed carbon footprint and carbon storage assessment. — Chandigarh's planned carbon footprint assessment will examine greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon storage capacity of natural ecosystems, including Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Chandigarh carbon footprint assessment is set to examine greenhouse gas emissions across the Union Territory, alongside the ability of its natural ecosystems to absorb and store carbon. The UT Environment Department will undertake the comprehensive study to strengthen environmental protection, support climate action and guide sustainable urban planning.

The assessment will cover the entire Union Territory, including Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. According to officials, the findings are expected to provide a clearer picture of Chandigarh's environmental impact and help identify areas where emissions can be reduced.

The Environment Department has invited an Expression of Interest (EOI) from eligible institutions of the Central Government, state governments and Union Territory administrations to conduct the study.

Chandigarh to Identify Major Sources of Emissions

A carbon footprint assessment measures greenhouse gases released through human activities. In an urban area such as Chandigarh, potential sources include transport, electricity consumption, buildings and waste management.

The proposed study will determine the actual contribution of different sources rather than relying on general estimates. This information could help the Administration identify sectors where targeted interventions may deliver meaningful emission reductions.

Officials expect the assessment to provide a scientific basis for future environmental policies, energy-efficiency measures and sustainable development initiatives.

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary to Feature in Carbon Storage Study

Another major component of the assessment will be carbon sequestration, the process through which carbon dioxide is absorbed and stored by natural systems such as forests, trees and other vegetation.

Including Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary will allow researchers to examine how its natural ecosystem contributes to carbon absorption and storage as part of Chandigarh's wider environmental assessment.

The study could help establish the role of green spaces in balancing emissions and inform future conservation priorities. Understanding the carbon storage potential of natural habitats may also support decisions on protecting vegetation and maintaining ecological resources.

Findings Could Guide Chandigarh's Climate Action

The assessment is expected to help the Chandigarh Administration identify major emission sources, evaluate the contribution of green spaces and prioritise measures to reduce the UT's carbon footprint.

Its findings could inform initiatives to improve energy efficiency, conserve natural habitats and encourage sustainable urban development. The data may also help policymakers establish more informed environmental priorities based on the measured impact of different activities.

The study represents a step towards developing a clearer, evidence-based understanding of Chandigarh's emissions and natural carbon storage capacity. Its eventual impact will depend on the findings and the measures adopted after the assessment is completed.