Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised the global significance of climate change during his address at the inaugural session of the two day Chhattisgarh Climate Change Conclave-2024 on Tuesday. The Chief Minister highlighted the challenges posed by irregular rainfall, prolonged drought, and other climatic disruptions faced not only by State but by the entire world. “We are playing with nature and we are moving towards more comforts and amenities creating an imbalance. Stressing the importance of collective action, he urged people to develop strategies to preserve nature and combat environmental degradation. He referenced the Paris Agreement and expressed optimism about the collective efforts of 196 countries to address climate change. Furthermore, Chief Minister Sai expressed confidence that the conclave would play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s future actions regarding climate change. He noted the participation of experts and environmentalists from across the country, whose insights would prove useful for Chhattisgarh and the country, he added.

 

The Chief Minister also unveiled the dashboard for monitoring the Chhattisgarh State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC). The Chief Minister also released books ‘Ancient Wisdom’, written by Dr Devyani Sharma and ‘Biodiversity in Kanger Valley’, written by Dr M L Nayak. Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap emphasised the importance of individual responsibility in nature conservation, particularly highlighting the deep understanding of nature among tribal communities. Deputy High Commissioner of United Kingdom Embassy for East and North East India Kolkata Andrew Fleming, Additional Chief Secretary of Forest and Climate Change Department Manoj Pingua and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Head of Forest Forces) V Sreenivasa Rao also addressed the inaugural session. Additional PCCF and Nodal Officer of Chhattisgarh State Centre for Climate Change Arun Kumar Pandey gave the welcome address. State Head of Foundation for Ecological Security Namita Mishra proposed the vote of thanks. Various technical sessions were held on the first day of the conclave.

 

Retired Professor of Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru Dr N H Ravindranath delivered a lecture on “Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; Potential Technological Options and Financing Options”. Director of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute Nagpur Dr Atul Narayan Vaidya delivered a lecture on “Sustainable Development and Climate Change”. Padma Shri Phoolbasan Bai Yadav, Padma Shri Hemchand Manjhi, Padma Shri Jageshwar Yadav and others shared their views in the Voice of the Community programme. Secretary of Housing and Environment Department and Chairman of Chhattisgarh Pollution Control Board R Shangeetha also chaired the technical session. Professor of Amity University Raipur V Prasad Kolla was the moderator. The conclave is being organised by Department of Forest and Climate Change, Government of Chhattisgarh in collaboration with Foundation for Ecological Security. The conclave will conclude on Wednesday. Delegates from over 15 states are participating in conclave.