Date: 24/11/2022

Relevance: GS-2: Climate Change and Environment Conservation

Key Phrases: Panchamrit Resolution, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Local Action Plan For Implementation, Tree Banking, Socio-Economic Surveys, Energy-Use Mapping, Clean And Green Village Theme.

Context:

• If India has to achieve the set of goals enunciated in the ‘Panchamrit’ resolution of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow 2021, the involvement of panchayati raj institutions, the third tier of government which are closest to the people is necessary.
• Although international and national policies have been formulated with large-scale investments, it is necessary to have a suitable local action plan for implementation and enforcement, initiated and coordinated by local governments.

Need of a people centric development model:

• Much of India’s population still lives in the rural areas and is involved in agriculture and other agri-based activities.
• The greater variability in rainfall and temperatures, etc. experienced of late has directly affected the livelihood and well-being of millions of rural households.
• India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change 2008 identifies a range of priority areas for coordinated intervention at the national and State levels.
• However, there would have been better results had panchayati raj institutions (PRI) been given a greater role.
• There has been a manifold increase in the number of climate-related national disasters over the past few decades and panchayats as local governments can play a pivotal role in tackling many of the causes and effects of climate change.
• Through the ongoing decentralisation process which ensures people’s participation, panchayats can play a crucial and frontline role in coordinating effective responses to climate risks, enabling adaptation and building climate-change resilient communities.

Carbon neutrality projects across India:

• The concept of ‘carbon neutrality’ puts forth the notion of zero carbon developments, nature conservation, food, energy and seeds sufficiency, and economic development.
• As human activities are the cause of the current climate crisis, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to growing and extreme weather events are critical.
• Zero carbon development which promotes sustainable living is the effective solution to reducing anthropogenic emissions and improving climate resilience.

Case Studies related to carbon neutral panchayats:

1. Carbon neutral Meenangadi
   • Meenangadi gram panchayat in Kerala’s Wayanad district serves as a model to emulate the concept of carbon neutrality.
   • The plan of action of panchayat included:
     • awareness programs
     • greenhouse gases emission inventory
     • socio-economic surveys
     • energy-use mapping
     • an action plan prepared by organising gram sabha meetings
   • Several multi sector schemes were implemented to reduce emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and preserve the ecology and bio-diversity.
   • Local economic development was another thrust area where LED bulb manufacturing and related micro-enterprises were initiated.
   • ‘Tree banking’ was one of the landmark schemes introduced to aid carbon neutral activities which encouraged the planting of more trees by extending interest-free loans.
     • 1,58,816 trees were planted which have also been geotagged to monitor their growth.
     • The entire community was involved in the process, with school students, youth, and technical and academic institutions given different assignments.
2. Palli gram panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir:
   • Palli gram panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir has followed the same people-centric model with specific local activities.
   • A Gram Panchayat Development Plan for 2022-23 is being prepared by integrating a climate-resilient plan.
   • The panchayat has prepared a climate-resilient plan where villagers have been made aware of climate change mitigation factors such as:
     • reducing energy consumption
     • cutting down on the use of fossil fuels
     • the use of solar energy, Bio-gas plants
     • abandoning plastics and promoting plantation
     • water conservation measures were given prominence
3. Other examples of people centric panchayat development:
   • In Seechewal gram panchayat, the Kali Bein river was rejuvenated with people’s involvement.
   • Odanthurai panchayat in Tamil Nadu has its own windmill (350 KW).
   • Tikekarwadi gram panchayat in Maharashtra is well known for its extensive use of biogas plants and green energy production.
   • Chapparapadavu gram panchayat in Kerala has several green islands that have been nurtured by the community.

The ‘Clean and Green Village’ theme:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has focused its attention on localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a thematic basis.
• ‘Clean and Green Village’ has been identified as the fifth theme where panchayats can take up activities on natural resource management, biodiversity protection, waste management and afforestation activities.
• According to the latest data, 1,09,135 gram panchayats have prioritised ‘Clean & Green Village’ as one of their focus areas for 2022-23.
• The Ministry has highlighted the need for the documentation of best practices and for wider dissemination.
• The net result is that many panchayats are coming forward with their eco plans.

Conclusion:

• The integrated Panchayat Development Plan prepared by all panchayats is a stepping stone towards addressing many of the environmental concerns of villages.
• In today’s age of rapid technological advancements and digital transformation, India’s rural local bodies are silently contributing their strength to ensuring the global target of carbon neutrality, as envisaged in the UN conference on climate change.

Source: The Hindu

Mains Question:

Q. Although international and national policies have been formulated with large-scale investments, it is necessary to have a suitable local action plan for implementation and enforcement, initiated and coordinated by local governments. Examine. (150 words)