28th October, 2023 | Hotel Bindiram, Chitrakoot
Vasudha Foundation and Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh hosted a Stakeholder Consultation for the development of Chitrakoot District Climate Action Plan, on 28th October, 2023 at Hotel Bindiram, Chitrakoot. The workshop was organized as a part of the initiative to develop District Climate Action Plans for two districts in the state. The objective of the consultation was to seek views and perspectives from various stakeholders to develop a detailed District Climate Action Plan for Chitrakoot.
The workshop had key speakers including Shri Ashish Tiwari, IFS, Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Balkrishna Tripathi, IAS, Commissioner, Chitrakoot Division; Shri K. K. Singh, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Bundelkhand Division; Shri Abhishek Anand, IAS, District Magistrate, Chitrakoot; Shri Manish Mittal, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mirzapur Zone; and Shri Umashankar Pandey, Padmashree Awardee.
The dignitaries provided rich insights and inputs on the various initiatives undertaken by the District and Division Administration on a wide range of issues which have an impact on climate change.
Team Vasudha presented the zero draft of the district plan which was well received and appreciated by all participants. Productive inputs and suggestions were provided to the team for further action.
Key inputs on issues & potential solutions received from speakers and participants were:
- In light of the severity of climate change in the Bundelkhand region, the district of Chitrakoot could be a great example of successful climate adaptation measures. The water conservation works and other allied activities undertaken by the district administration could be scaled up further.
- Focus should also be on alternative cropping patterns, particularly millet cultivation.
- Considering the potential of Aushadhis in Chitrakoot, the development of clusters of medicinal gardens can be done which will also boost green livelihood/entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Low-input and low-cost cash crops, drought-tolerant crops and organic farm inputs need to be adopted and scaled up throughout the district.
- Green livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities need to be explored across sectors and through various projects and programmes.
- Need for periodic awareness sessions for community and other stakeholders on “What are the issues in Chitrakoot”, “What are possible solutions”, “What supporting schemes are available” and “How can the solutions be implemented”.
- The animal waste can be treated and stored as biogas, while slurry can be turned into organic manure. Regular operation and maintenance training sessions can be organized for stakeholders.
- Mandakini River mismanagement and contamination is an issue and requires cleaning and rejuvenation. Additionally, the potential of generating renewable energy through solar panel installations on river surface can be explored.