TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 26 2024: Chhattisgarh is set to become the second state in India, after Kerala, to implement an *Ecorestoration Policy*, thanks to the initiative of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. The Forest Department has finalized the draft of this policy, which aims to promote afforestation, conserve water sources, prevent soil erosion, and preserve biodiversity.
The announcement was made during a workshop titled “Climate Resilient Chhattisgarh Towards a Green and Strong Future”*, held at Mayfair in Naya Raipur. The event was jointly organized by the Chhattisgarh State Climate Change Centre and the Centre for Environment and Energy Development (CEED). Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap and Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary addressed the gathering, highlighting the state’s commitment to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development.
Shri Kedar Kashyap emphasized the tribal community’s historical role in protecting natural resources, citing the Bhumkal movement of 1910 as an example of resistance against environmental exploitation. “Environmental protection is integral to our government’s sustainable development goals,” he stated.
Finance Minister Shri Choudhary underscored the state’s cultural heritage as a model for environmental harmony. “Our traditions teach us the value of coexistence, as seen in the depiction of Lord Shiva, Parvati, and their companions,” he said. Stressing the urgency of tackling climate change, he added, “This is not just a topic for discussion but a pathway to secure the future of our state and its people.” Shri Choudhary also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote green economy initiatives, including biofuels and solar energy, and urged youth to engage in environmental innovation and green investments.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Arun Kumar Pandey revealed plans for establishing a Climate Studio to monitor and address climate challenges. He outlined strategies for planting native tree species, conserving wetlands, and enhancing forest areas to mitigate climate change impacts.
The workshop featured extensive discussions among environmentalists, academicians, and policymakers, with inputs from national and state-level experts. Participants included Prabhat Mishra, Director of CEED Dr. Manish Ram, CREDA’s Abhishek Shukla, Ravi Ranjan from the Jharkhand Forest Department, West Bengal Government’s Chief Environment Officer Dharmdev Rai, and Dr. Rahul B. Hiremath of IIM Raipur, among others.
The implementation of the Ecorestoration Policy marks a transformative step towards a greener and more climate-resilient Chhattisgarh. By aligning with the goals of sustainable development and environmental protection, the state is positioning itself as a leader in eco-conscious governance.
