There is a need for change in people’s lifestyle and traditional knowledge should be applied in the state’s action plan on climate change for the protection of the environment, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Manipur, deputy director T Brajakumar Singh said in Ukhrul on Friday.
Brajakumar was speaking at the one-day consultative workshop for revision of state Action Plan on Climate Change of Manipur (SAPCC- VER 2) and preparation of District Environment Plan held at DRDA Hall in Ukhrul HQ Friday.
While maintaining that protection of the environment should start from community and grassroots level, Brajakumar stressed the need to maintain proper solid waste management. He urged the district administration to comply with the directives of the state on climate change.
District deputy commissioner Joseph Pauline Kamson, who also spoke at the occasion, called upon the people to ensure proper domestic waste disposal. He said waste materials are seen disposed of at Hunpung area and in between Ukhrul to Imphal road, which not only pollute the environment but also send a wrong message to visitors.
Pointing out that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) takes climate change seriously, the deputy commissioner urged all to take correct measures.
Meanwhile, participants at the workshop urged the authorities overseeing the climate change programmes to take people into confidence. Take consent of the rightful ownership before initiating any village base or community centric projects, they told the authorities.
Addressing the participants, Ukhrul district forest officer Shanngam urged the district populace to plant more trees while utilising the forest resources for sustenance.
“We cannot completely ignore development even though it has its own impacts. So, to keep pace with the changing development, a new concept in the form of sustainable development took birth in which economic development co-exist alongside natural resources,” he said.
The Government of India has taken a series of measures to prevent climate change, and Forest Conservation Act 1950 is one such Act, Ukhrul district forest officer, added.
The existing action plan in SAPCC VER (2013- 2020) and Proposed in SAPCC Ver 2 (2020- 2030) includes ecosystem, biodiversity, and livelihoods; water resources; sustainable agriculture practices; health; forest resources conservation; enhanced energy efficiency and conservation; urban planning (which is not applicable because the district is rural majority); climate change strategic knowledge and information.
The programme was also attended by Kachamthei Gangmei, assistant commissioner Ukhrul, TNL, TNWL, departmental nodal officers, experts, DLOs and stakeholders.
