Mandatory Gam Sabha meetings to discuss climate change issues

Minister for Panchayat and Rural Development Shri Prahlad Patel has asked the Chief Executive Officers of Zila Panchayats to ensure that the mandatory Gram Sabha meeting on Independence Day must include the subject of climate change in their meeting agenda and hold discussions on climate change and its dangers. The Gram Sabhas on August 15 will discuss the strategies to combat ill-effects of climate change following instructions of the Minister for Panchayat Shri Prahlad Patel.

All Gram Sabhas should pass resolutions to mitigate the dangers of climate change and commit themselves to raising climate literacy making everyone understand the causes of climate change. Shri Patel laid stress that the threats posed by climate change are looming large and their dangerous effects are evident far and wide. Unseasonal rains, excessive heat, and abnormal temperature changes are being experienced. Fruits are not ripening on time, and flowers are not blooming in season. He said that discussions should also focus on how to bring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to zero, which is a major contributor to climate change process and global warming. Climate change has become human health issue now. Discussions should also focus on how to use natural resources judiciously.

The Panchayat Minister stated that raising the understanding of climate science and climate behaviour using local dialects and languages is crucial. He stressed the need for a mission-mode approach to planting and nurturing plants, saving trees ensuring their growth. It is urgent to maintain the green areas around the sources of rivers to ensure their perennial flow. He urged that villages located around the river sources should be vigilant. This time, the Gram Sabhas should also consider ways to keep river sources alive.