PEOPLE’S CO-OPERATION IS NEEDED TO PRESERVE ECOLOGY

Imphal, October 13, 2017 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh said that people’s involvement, co-operation and awareness campaigns on the impact of climate change is very much important for conserving and preserving the ecology and environment. This was stated by him at the Orientation Programme for Legislatures and Administrative Secretaries on Climate Change Adaptation held at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal. The programme was organised by Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur in association with Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and Swiss Agency for Development and Co-Operation SDC.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister said that the State government is targeting to achieve the National commitments on climate change mitigation and adaptation like generation of 105 MW of on-grid solar roof top facilities by 2022, enhancing of water accessibility and rejuvenation of water resources including stream head management, protection of wetlands and other natural resources. The government would promote organic farming along with modern and scientific agriculture in the State, he added.

Shri N. Biren Singh mentioned that as an impact of climate change in the State, incessant rains have caused floods in various parts of the State in the last 6 months which claimed many people lives, many houses were inundated and landslides were witnessed in hill areas.

Chief Minister complimented the initiatives taken up by NABARD to counter climate change and expressed his belief that more action oriented programmes will be taken up such as conservation and preservation of wetlands and natural resources. He said that in the meantime, the State government is preparing a Detailed Project Report for the conservation and restoration of Lamphelpat area.

Minister for Forest and Environment Shri Th. Shyamkumar said that Climate Change is not just a threat to the environment but also to growth and development of the Nation. He further said that considering the impacts of Climate Change, the State government and various departments and stakeholders has been implementing identified strategies and action under State Action Plan on Climate Change. The ongoing Climate Change Adaptation Project at Phayeng is one of the integrated model projects undertaken by the eight line departments with the support of the people, he added.

Speaking at the orientation programme, Head and Counsellor, Swiss Cooperation Office India, Embassy of Switzerland Ms. Marylaure Crettaz said that the impact of climate change has been manifested in all the regions of the world including mountainous regions like Manipur and other north-eastern states of the country in the form of water related threats like frequent floods and increase of temperature etc.

Ms. Marylaure Crettaz informed that the Indo-Swiss Bilateral Cooperation on Climate Change has taken up various projects and activities such as to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, capacity building, risk assessment and raise public awareness on the impact of climate change. Such orientation Programme for Legislatures and Administrative Secretaries on Climate Change adaptation is a part of training programme conducted with the help of NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in various States, she said that training programmes of State Level officials of various departments are also being organised for better implementation and dissemination of information on effects of climate change to the people.

On the occasion, Former Secretary, Government of India Shri Hem Pande delivered a talk on “Climate Policy and Climate Finance: its Opportunities”.

Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, Administrative Secretaries, delegates from outside the State participated in the orientation programme.