Green Modi plans climate change dept

While announcing the move,Modi observed that currently only six countries in the world have separate ministries or departments for climate change at the national level. According to the CM,the new department — to be directly under him — would act as a bridge between the government and society with some mandates that include chalking out a state policy on climate change,setting up of a revolving fund for research and development in green technology and coordination with all other departments with respect to climate change.

In view of the rise in sea level,he said the department would carry out extensive research and surveys on the impact of climate change on Gujarat’s coastal areas. It will also be concerned with changes in agricultural productivity and new challenges to health and infrastructure facilities in these areas.

He added the department would also encourage maximum earning from carbon credits,and help prepare and introduce educational curricula on climate change.

Education on the subject will also get an impetus,he said,with universities undertaking R&D projects along with introduction of new courses on climate change.

For reducing green house gas emission in cement,chemical fertilisers,textiles and other industries,new technologies will be developed and appropriate regulatory and financial mechanisms created. It would consult and interact constantly with the National Clean Development Authority (NCDA) and concerned international agencies under the umbrella of United Nations.

The CM informed the Assembly that Narmada,Sujalam Sufalam (water projects) and participatory check dam movement have led to tremendous recharge of depleted ground water resources. With its initiatives in solid waste management and the public transport system,Modi told the House that Gujarat has earned the maximum carbon credits in the country,obtaining 29 per cent of the total carbon credits earned in India.