Imphal, October 14, 2021 (DIPR): Swiss Cooperation will provide technical support in revising the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013. Head and Counselor, Swiss Cooperation Office, India, Embassy of Switzerland, Ms. Marylaure Crettaz, speaking to mediapersons said that, she found Manipur as a very natural and Green State with a pleasant weather condition.
Swiss Cooperation is working in different Himalayan States on their respective State Action Plan on Climate Change and will help the Manipur Government in reviewing the State Action Plan on Climate Change, accessing the results of the plans taken up so far and finding ways to improve for making a revision. Plan revision is necessary to combat frequent floods, landslides and variation in weather condition.
Once the State Action Plan is revised there will be list of things which will be taken up as projects and the last step will be to acquire the finance/fund for the project. Swiss Cooperation will support in terms of capacity building and training to assure that many State actors sensitise on the issue. State officials at national, state and district level will be given training on ways to deal with the issue so that every sector/department is equipped to respond to climate change. Numerous studies like risk and vulnerability assessment will be prepared to make a better plan for which both fund and technical support is needed.
Dr Y Nabachandra Singh, Director, Directorate of Environment, said the department is focused on various plans to conserve wetlands and water bodies in the State. He said the department is checking and monitoring the water quality under the Research and Development projects apart from water rejuvenation and conserving lakes. Community participation is encouraged for conserving wetlands like done in Yaral Pat. All together 19 wetlands have been identified for eco-development which will be taken up in phase-wise.
He said, once the Manipur State Action Plan on Climate Change, 2013 is revised this year, State can work on making a state policy on climate change. With support from all corners swift action can be taken to save the ecology, he added.
Ahead of leaving Imphal today, Marylaure Crettazz visited the Panam Ningthou Garden at Andro, Imphal East and Sendra tourist resort, Moirang, Bishnupur district accompanied by the delegates of Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) and officials of Directorate of Environment. (DIPR)