Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that only by creating harmony between progress and nature, the challenges related to climate change can be effectively dealt with. This was stated by the Chief Minister while presiding over the Strong Himalaya Safe India, Climate Change Conference-2021 organized by the Department of Environment, Science and Technology here today. The Chief Minister said that due to climate change, the ecosystem is being adversely affected. To reduce the impact of climate change, we need to take concrete measures at the ground level. He said that the Himachal Pradesh government was focusing on strengthening irrigation facilities, increasing agricultural production, improving socio-economic conditions, economic security and rural infrastructure like environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation and sustainable community empowerment.Jai Ram Thakur He said that many important works have been done to ensure sustainable development and protection of environment in the State. Glaciers melt faster due to global warming. To reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the state government is focusing on the use of green fuels such as hydropower and solar energy. He said that the state is very rich in hydropower resources and Himachal Pradesh has about 25 percent of India’s total capacity. Out of the total hydel power potential of the State, 10,519 MW has been tapped so far. He said that the State Clean Fuel Policy would soon be brought in to reduce air pollution.Jai Ram Thakur said that there is a need to make collective efforts to tackle the problem of climate change. We must support meaningful global warming legislation and improve the energy efficiency of power plants as well as increase the use of renewable energy sources. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of Digital Climate Change Reference Center through online medium. German Ambassador to India Walter J. Linear said that due to climate change, many types of natural disasters are coming in the world. Everyone needs to make an effort to deal with this problem. Appreciating the organization of the conference, he said that scientists would seriously consider this issue. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also issued guidelines for knowledge network on CC and DRR. He also launched State Action Plan Part-II on Climate Change and CAFRI Program in Himachal Pradesh. Sonam Wangchuk, President, Student Educational and Cultural Moment of Ladakh appreciated the ambitious measures taken by Himachal Pradesh in the field of environmental protection. Emphasizing on the need of climate literacy, he said that timely meaningful steps should be taken to prevent disasters. Challenges related to local areas should be studied in educational research institutions. National Disaster Management Authority Director General Kamal Kishore said that disaster management plan should be prepared for every area. He stressed on the need for formation of State Disaster Response Force in all the States. Senior Adviser Department of Science and Technology Government of India Dr. Akhilesh Gupta said that global warming is a big challenge in the world. He emphasized the need to develop a multi-hazard warning system. Additional Chief Secretary Environment Science and Technology Prabodh Saxena welcomed the Chief Minister and all the dignitaries and gave detailed information about the conference. Director Environment, Science and Technology Sudesh Kumar Mokta proposed vote of thanks. On this occasion Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, Vice-Chairman of Uttarakhand Displacement Board Dr. SS Negi, Joint Secretary National Disaster Management Authority Kunal Satyarthi, Secretary Environment and Climate Change Uttar Pradesh Ashish Tiwari, Former Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change RR Rashmi, Tree Man of Rajasthan, Padmashree Himtaram Bhambhu, IIS Scientist Dr. . Anil Kulkarni, Director Climate Change Dr. Ashish Chaturvedi, various Secretaries, Vice Chancellors of the University, participants from different states and other dignitaries were present.
CM stresses on taking concrete measures to reduce the impact of climate change
