Shillong, June 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma on Friday asked the Meghalaya State Council for Climate Change and Sustainable Development (MSCCC&SD)to adopt measures to mitigate climate change and focus on creating opportunities for green business model in the State.
Terming the impact of climate change is serious, he told the council to come up with strategies to sensitize the masses on lifestyle changes to save energy and involve all stakeholders in conservation of natural resources.
He told the council that Government initiatives and interventions should revolve around sustainable practices especially in the field of agriculture and allied sectors and tourism.
Talking about potentials of tourism industry, the Chief Minister suggested development of green and eco-friendly infrastructure in different tourism destinations. “Each individual should make their effort to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute for a greener earth,†the Chief Minister said.
He also said that climate change mitigation should be planned on a priority basis and mission mode adaptation should be initiated with emphasis on protection of water catchment areas and regeneration of forest cover.
He also said that the community should be involved and motivated to own ownership of trees they planted under the campaign “One Citizen, One Treeâ€.
Talking about huge import of bamboo, the Chief Minister said that bamboo mission activities should be intensified in the State to reduce import, which will also enable setting up of bamboo based industries in the State.
Government Chief Whip and South Tura MLA, Agatha K. Sangma, who chaired the meeting, suggested the council to come up with a policy to encourage youth entrepreneurs with incentives, who are engaged in green and eco-friendly businesses.
Agatha suggested the council to rope in traditional bodies to create awareness and involve them in Government’s effort to reduce the use of plastics and in areas of waste management and segregation.
Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya and CEO, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), P. Sampath Kumar gave a brief presentation on action plans and studies carried out by the council to assess, adapt and mitigate climate change.
Chief Secretary Y. Tsering, Principal Secretary Forest and Environment, R.V Suchiang, among other officials of the concern departments also attended the meeting.
