The State government has finally taken note of climate change. It has decided to integrate climate change concerns with its disaster management plans, formulated in the aftermath of the Mumbai floods in 2005.
The Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation Department has brought climate change in the forefront following a tie-up with the British government, which is funding it through the Action on Climate Today -- Climate Change Innovation Programme (ACT-CCIP).
Senior officials said the latest integration of climate change issues would first be done with aspects related to floods, droughts and urban issues. These have so far been categorised and handled as ‘multi hazard’, with emergency and response mechanisms directed without taking into account the impact of climate change. “The ACT-CCIP has funded this technical assistance programme and policies for mainstreaming climate change in disaster management,” said Shrirang Gholap, under secretary, government of Maharashtra.
The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) has been prepared keeping in mind multiple hazards, but even after including all natural and manmade disasters, does not take into account the impact of climate change. The plan covers flood, drought, earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis, landslides, nuclear emergencies, and industrial and chemical disasters. The State has been trying to make its agriculture activities climate-resilient. However, the gains from its flagship Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan have been impacted by threats from climate change such as irregular rains and hailstorm. “We are using the new initiative to include climate change in our disaster training programmes. The capacity building of relevant stakeholders is also under way,” said Mr. Gholap.
State inaction
Late last year, the Bombay High Court pulled up the government for contempt and non-implementation of the Disaster Management Act. On the State inaction, it said: “This is quite distressing. There are serious issues like flooding of urban areas and drought in rural areas that the State is facing.”