A climate action plan that was created in 2021 and recently authorized by the federal government is about to be implemented by the state government. This occurs while Karnataka is preparing for an above-average monsoon and is experiencing one of its worst droughts ever.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MOEF & CC) received “The Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change — Version 2” in April 2021. The state has been given permission to carry out the same action after three years.
After meeting with 42 line departments on several occasions, the development commissioner expressed confidence that the plan would be implemented shortly after the model code of conduct is lifted in June. Karnataka will be among the first states to do this.
All departments have been informed to establish plans, performance indicators, and targets specific to their respective programs. As soon as the model code of conduct is lifted, we intend to submit a proposal to the Cabinet, stated Development Commissioner Dr. Shalini Rajaneesh. The impact of climate change on the state is growing daily, according to experts, so the action plan needs to be put into action as soon as possible.
An environment department official stated that all involved departments will need to submit their targets and work on incorporating the actions recommended in the action plan.A climate action plan that was created in 2021 and recently authorized by the federal government is about to be implemented by the state government.
This occurs while Karnataka is preparing for an above-average monsoon and is experiencing one of its worst droughts ever.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MOEF & CC) received “The Karnataka State Action Plan on Climate Change — Version 2” in April 2021.
The state has been given permission to carry out the same action after three years. After meeting with 42 line departments on several occasions, the development commissioner expressed confidence that the plan would be implemented shortly after the model code of conduct is lifted in June. Karnataka would be among the first states to execute the climate plan as a result of this.
In addition to the current performance, they must produce a list that will serve as a baseline. The official clarified, “For instance, the forest department must submit the amount of afforestation it has planned and the aim in five years. The Environment Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) created the action plan, which offers a number of recommendations for actions and assessment techniques to lessen the effects of climate change.
According to the plan, the state will need to spend Rs 52,827 crore between 2025 and 2030 in order to carry out initiatives in ten additional areas, including horticulture, forestry, rural development, and agriculture.
A wide range of initiatives are suggested for each department in the plan, from afforestation to the utilization of renewable energy. “The financial assumptions may have increased since they were prepared in 2021. The action plan outlines several financial strategies for combining resources. Prof. Krishna Raj, who participated in the Institute of Social and Economic Change’s action plan drafting, stated, “We can have department-specific plans.”
The strategy also outlines several financing strategies, from drawing in private investments to optimizing the use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.
The occurrence of droughts and floods has become more frequent. The patterns of rainfall and temperature have grown erratic.They directly affect a number of industries, particularly agriculture. The economy is hurt if agriculture is affected. Thus, carrying out the action plan is essential,” he stated. Environmental department officials said that the current drought condition and water scarcity have raised awareness among officials and public, thus now was the appropriate moment to take action.
