In a bid to create a carbon- conscious and climate resilient state, the Orissa government has drafted a climate change action plan at an outlay of Rs17,000 crore to be spent over the next five years.
The plan focussed on 11 key areas, chief minister Naveen Patnaik said today while addressing a meeting held as part of World Environment Day.
Stating that Orissa was the first state in the country to formulate a State Climate Change Action Plan, Patnaik claimed that this reflected the great importance it attached to the environmental issue.
"A Climate Change Agency is proposed to be put in place to oversee the progress and liaise with the Centre, external funding agencies and different sectors for smooth implementation of the State Climate Change Action Plan," Patnaik said.
The impact of climate change could disrupt the fragile life-sustaining ecological system, while rising temperatures, rising sea level and frequent extreme weather events could seriously threaten the state's infrastructure, economy, health, and ecosystems, he said.
"Without proper long-term strategy, climate change may undermine our development efforts, with adverse consequences," he said.
