Majhi Vasundhara- A contemporary code for the mitigation of climate change

“For every degree Celsius of warming, monsoon rainfalls will likely increase by about 5 percent”, According to lead authors at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and Ludwig-Maximilian University(LMU) in Munich, Germany.

A stronger, more unpredictable monsoon season — with more wet years within the future which will potentially damage the economy and affect agricultural practices – all because of temperature change if it remained unchecked. - claims the study published in Earth system dynamics journal in April’21. After comparing over 25 state-of-the-art climate models, it warned that shifts in temperature for a longer period may also cause adverse effects on India’s economy, food security, and people’s well-being. The majority of the people in India are dependent upon rain-fed agriculture and also it is an agrarian country, thus making climate change a huge concern for the Government in India.

The Concern over ramifications of Global warming like -recession of glaciers, decrease in rainfall, and increased flooding in certain pockets of food security, causing distress and drought-like conditions to larger areas in the country. All major cities and agricultural areas are along the rivers and are dependent on them for irrigation and drinking water. Also, the achievement of national goals of food security, Water supply, and other infrastructure will also be severely affected.

India again is also known for its diversity, showing a very vast range of climate from north to south. Considering only the northern part it may show a huge temperature difference in the high summer and low winter range. In contrast to the north, the coastal regions mostly follow even temperature and humidity throughout the year with frequent rains. Hence a country like India has adopted Various strategies and policies to mitigate climate change in the country and also supports United Nations' Sustainable goals.

India as a country by far when it comes to policymaking and implementation has been successful in changing people's perspective towards climate change at a worldwide level. For instance, during the conference of the signatory states of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Delhi, 2002, India pushed for a joint declaration on the significance of global warming. In June 2008, the honorable prime minister of India published the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which encompasses both climate protection and adaptation. The Administrative system in India is currently working for the said plan comprising eight components such as National Missions: solar energy; energy efficiency; sustainable housing; water Conservation, preservation of the ecosystem in the Himalayas; reforestation; sustainable agriculture; and strategic knowledge management. With respect to the components mentioned above, various state-level policies and other national-level acts are enforced in India to mitigate climate change. One Such policy for climate change at the state level is “Majhi Vasundhara'' - an environmental policy based on the lines of Swachh Bharat Mission, UNICEF, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOEFCC) along with the Pollution Control Board of the state of Maharashtra.

Majhi Vasundhara can be aptly defined as a unique integrated first-ever policy exercise by the environment and climate change department of the state government of Maharashtra. It was for the sole reason to encourage innovative and active participation from communities for climate change mitigation. It includes enhancement of green cover and biodiversity, building solid waste management infrastructure, creating paths for conservation of water systems, and energy efficiency. It also involves working with the community in the form of awareness programs and making citizens take the Majhi Vasundhara “e-pledge” to create active community participation. The policy is being implemented which can be defined broadly on a two-part system where the assessment will take place on behalf of 22 components (each assessed with Marks or ranks) designed for Urban and rural development bodies.

Successful on site implementation of the policy.

Image source : https://www.digitalbrc.in/2021/01/majhi-vasundhara-my-earth-pledge.html?m=1

Few of the initiatives of Majhi Vasundhara for green Cover and Biodiversity enhancement.

categories undertaken by Majhi Vasundhara Policy.

Image source : https://www.digitalbrc.in/2021/01/majhi-vasundhara-my-earth-pledge.html?m=1

Afforestation, segregation of waste, Reduction of rural pollution are some of the tasks that are mentioned in the policy. These tasks have been spread out over five broad indicators which are based on the elements of Nature– Vayu (air), Bhumi (earth), Jal (water), Agni (energy), and Akash (education and enhancement). This policy focuses on the enhancement of climate by upgrading Air, water Soil, and energy conservation along with capacity building through flyers, pamphlets, etc., and educational system.

In order to establish a system where all the Urban Local Bodies, Municipal councils, and corporations adhere to the guidelines and progress towards sustainable development. It includes planting indigenous trees, implementing adequate waste segregation, treatment, and composting facilities, promotion of non-motorized transport and rainwater harvesting, etc.

The Assessment is done in the following way:

1) The first step would purely be a Desktop assessment with the help of Secondary and Primary sources, concluding to preliminary ranking.

2) Towns and Cities having better results after Stage 1 will be subjected to physical inspection and citizen feedback surveys. This assessment is done every year between 1st of April to 31st of May, followed by prize distribution on the 5th of June- also marked as Environment Day.

This policy is majorly dependent upon the evaluation process and the Stakeholder participation at various levels like Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Rural bodies.

Illustration Explaining the overall process of evaluation.

Image Source: https://www.digitalbrc.in/2021/01/majhi-vasundhara-my-earth-pledge.html?m=1

When policies like these are considered there are always debates and doubts for the successful implementation of the said policies/acts or laws. These issues or gaps are generated due to lack of knowledge, inadequate capacity building towards the policies. But nevertheless, these policies are just a small step taken towards climate change mitigation at the national level.

In a country like India where there are people still urging for basic necessities to make a living, policies like these take a back seat eventually. But in the long run, is considered as a major boon that will benefit in the further cause of action.

What is your opinion? Every state should have policies like these or only national level Action can make a difference. we would like to know your thoughts. Also, let us know if any such initiatives have been undertaken in your region.

Bibliography:

Environment protection must be the way of life, says Maharashtra CM (yahoo.com)

Climate change may make Indian monsoons more volatile, wet years ahead: Study (downtoearth.org.in)

Majhi Vasundhara Guideline and toolkit for evaluation.

Majhi Vasundhara

India | UNDP Climate Change Adaptation (adaptation-undp.org)

Abbreviations:

ULB- Urban Local Bodies

MIS- Management Information System

NAPCC- National

PIK- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

LMU- Ludwig-Maximilian University