Context: If India has to achieve the set of goals enunciated in the ‘Panchamrit’ resolution of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow 2021, it is necessary that panchayati raj institutions, the third tier of government which are closest to the people, are involved.
India’s climate action commitments:
The latest updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of India is a step towards India’s goal to reach net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2070. Indian Prime Minister at UNFCCC CoP-26 (Glasgow, 2021) announced its enhanced climate commitments — the “Panchamrit” :
strengthening emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from its 2005 levels
50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
Reduce 1 billion carbon emissions by 2030
Produce 500GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030
Achieving NZE by 2070
Role of panchayat Raj System in climate action:
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.
In the context of greater devolution that has taken place, panchayats, as local governments, can play a pivotal role in tackling many of the causes and effects of climate change.
Over the past few decades, there has been a manyfold increase in the number of climate-related national disasters. 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 (NAPCC) 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 been given a greater role.
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.
Case study 1: The Meenangadi movement in Kerala
In recent years, many panchayats have come forward with the concept of carbon neutrality, a prominent example being Meenangadi gram panchayat in Kerala’s Wayanad district. In 2016, the panchayat envisaged a project called ‘Carbon neutral Meenangadi’ with following activities:
There were campaigns, classes and studies to begin with. An awareness programme was conducted initially.
A greenhouse gases emission inventory was prepared. The panchayat was found to be carbon positive.
An action plan was prepared by organising gram sabha meetings.
Socio-economic surveys and energy-use mapping were carried out.
Several multi sector schemes were implemented to reduce emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and preserve the ecology and bio-diversity.
‘Tree banking’ was one of landmark schemes introduced to aid carbon neutral activities which encouraged the planting of more trees by extending interest-free loans.
The planted trees were geo-tagged to monitor their growth.
The entire community was involved in the process, with school students, youth, and technical and academic institutions given different assignments.
Local economic development was another thrust area where LED bulb manufacturing and related micro-enterprises were initiated.
Case study 2: Palli gram panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir
The Palli gram panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir that has followed the same people-centric model, with specific local activities. 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
use of solar energy
abandoning plastics
promoting plantation and water conservation measures
Bio-gas plants
A solar plant (500KW) has been installed to power households. A
Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) for 2022-23 is being prepared by integrating a climate-resilient plan.
The other examples include:
In Seechewal gram panchayat, the Kali Bein River was rejuvenated with people’s involvement.
Odanthurai panchayat in Tamil Nadu has its own windmill
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.
Suggestive measures for the local governance system:
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
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. The integrated Panchayat Development Plan prepared by all panchayats is a stepping stone towards addressing many of the environmental concerns of villages.
Therefore, in this modern 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.
