Farming needs remedial measures to face climate change effects: Maharashtra CM

NewsBharati    22-Mar-2018
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Mumbai, Mar 22: Agriculture has been the most sufferer of climatic changes and needs proper remedial measures, said Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis.

Fadanvis was addressing a seminar on challenges of climate change and remedies to avoid its dangers, organised by V S Page Parliamentary Training Centre, Maharashtra Legislative Secretariat, and Environment Department of Government of Maharashtra, and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) at Vidhan Bhavan this afternoon on the occasion of #WorldForestryDay.

Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar, Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde, Manikrao Thakre, Minister Ramdas Kadam, Aditya Thackeray, former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Ajinkya Rahane, and British Deputy High Commissioner were present in this seminar.

The Chief Minister said that climatic changes have directly affected rainfall. In some places we get more than expected rains while some places go without rain water. Excessive rainfall completely damages the standing crops and absence of enough rain lead to drought-like situations. The most affected class is that of farmers and the poor people. They suffer from climatic changes. The scientists have already issued warning about global warming and less rainfall till 2030. We need to take immediate actions to avoid further complications and conservation with an approach of sustainability is a must, the Chief Minister said.

 

There is less water in rivers, and rivulets and wells due to increased temperature. Water soures have dried up. We launched the ‘Jalykta Shivar’ scheme that has made it possible to make water planning. Forests are depleting world over reducing the forest cover. The government has put restrictions of forest cover and this has ensured protection of wild life. We have increased the bamboo forest areas. There is a need to implement effective waste management to solve the issue of waste generating in the cities, he said. There is also a need to make people aware about this, he said.

Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam said that plastic is proving to be enemy of environment. Everyone must stop using plastic and stop demanding carry bags to avoid pollution. The government has brought in the act against use of plastics in the state, he said. People should avoid plastic for better protection of our environment and climate.

Chairman of the Council Ramraje Nimbalkar said we are all facing the challenge of climate change. It has mainly affected the rainfall. Earlier it used to follow a certain time table not it comes anytime. Climatic changes have resulted in creating drought-like situation and intense water scarcity. This has in turn affected the profession of farming and farm productions. Water resources like dams, rivers, and wells have faced the vagaries of nature. The only reason for this is we are acting exactly in opposition of the nature. If nature remains, we will remain he said.

Speaker Haribhau Bagde said that climate change is visible in rural areas also. There is extreme heat and no cold. These are the problems confronting humankind. Human mistakes have led to climate changes resulting in water scarcity etc. Jalayukta Shivar has solved this problem to certain extent in rural areas, he said. Farmers and people should use water carefully. Polluted air has led to health problems. The level of CO2 has increased in the atmosphere. He called for undertaking tree plantation campaign to maintain the ecological equilibrium.

At the outset environment expert Atul Deulgaonkar and Abhijit Ghorpade made a presentation highlighting the changes in nature and their effects on society. Dr Crispino Lobo and Dr Gajanan Dange spoke on Flood area management and Conservation and development of rural areas respectively. Two books on climate changes were released by the dignitaries in this program.

Additional Principal Secretary of Environment Department Satish Gavai made introductory remarks. A documentary on climate change was also screened on the occasion.

The seminar was attended by cabinet members, MLAs, MPs, environment-friendly citizens were present in large numbers. MPCB Member Secretary Dr. P Anbalgan proposed vote of thanks.