Bihar’s Climate Strategy Gains Momentum with Saharsa Workshop

Chirag Gupta

Saharsa: A divisional dissemination workshop was held on Friday at Vikas Bhawan auditorium in Saharsa, under the ‘Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathway for Bihar’ project, with the goal of making Bihar a carbon-neutral state.
Neelam Chaudhary, Divisional Commissioner of Kosi Division, underscored the existential crisis posed by climate change affecting humans, flora, and fauna. She stressed the importance of disseminating the workshop’s message to district and panchayat levels to ensure effective implementation of climate change strategies.

Saharsa District Magistrate Vaibhav Chaudhary highlighted the necessity for individual and community efforts to combat climate change, citing the impacts of extreme heat and reduced rainfall. He advocated for actions such as water conservation, reducing plastic use, and promoting energy efficiency to maintain a livable environment for future generations.

WRI India’s Program Managers Shashidhar Kumar Jha and Mani Bhushan Kumar Jha provided detailed information about the workshop. “Bihar is committed to contributing to India’s target of net-zero emissions by 2070, emerging as a frontrunner among Indian states to make such a commitment. The Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and a technical consortium, has formulated the long-term State-level strategy document titled ‘Climate-Resilient and Low Carbon Development Pathways for Bihar’ proposing climate actions in the State encompassing both adaptation and mitigation measures. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched the report on March 4 in Patna,” said Mani Bhushan.

Dr. Shashidhar elaborated on climate change adaptation measures, including crop diversification, integrated water management, forest conservation, private sector involvement, and livelihood protection during disasters.
Dr. Sneha Kumari, Assistant Professor at Mandan Bharati Krishi Mahavidyalaya, emphasized the sensitivity of agriculture to climate change and the importance of climate-friendly practices such as zero tillage, direct sowing of paddy seeds, and conservation tillage.
Officials from various departments and other stakeholders present at the workshop also shared their views. Issues raised by participants included renewable energy, energy conservation, urban greenery, deforestation, and the decline in groundwater levels.

The workshop was attended by Deputy Development Commissioner Saharsa, Sanjay Kumar Nirala; Divisional Forest Officer Saharsa, Prateek Anand; Regional Officer of Bihar State Pollution Control Board Sen Kumar; Assistant Forest Conservator Anish Kumar, and other concerned officials.

These workshops are being organized in all nine divisions of Bihar, with the next six workshops scheduled for August.