Mumbai: The State Cabinet on Tuesday sanctioned the Favourable Climatic Change Policy, under which the government will focus on setting up ‘climate-proof’ villages, introduce an ecosystem-based disaster management programme and take special efforts for vulnerable districts.
Under the national climate change action plan, all States have been asked to create their own policies. The Maharashtra government has prepared its plan with the help of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), taking scientific inputs about climate change for the years 2030, 2050 and 2070. It has provided recommendations, taking into consideration the impact of climate change on areas like agriculture, food security, health, forests, water sources, marine life, biodiversity and infrastructure.
“The State policy includes 14 major recommendations, which deal with the departments of forests, water resources, agriculture, power, public health, public works, disaster management, rural development, urban development, environment, finance and planning,” said Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam.
The policy will ensure that river sources flow perennially and recharge groundwater; encourage crops that will grow in changing climate, and preservation of traditional crops; encourage setting up of ‘climate-proof’ villages and increase public participation in water conservation, adopting mountains and rivers; setting up of a special cell in the Environment Department, preparation of proposals to deal with climate change and maintain a dialogue with national and international organisations; setting up a system to provide medical guidance to citizens; and conservation of mangroves.
The policy also includes special measures for ecologically vulnerable districts and to set up a disaster management programme; a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and recycling of sewage water; form rules to control vehicular pollution; and to set up cities which are climate friendly.
