AIZAWL, Sept 14 - Mizoram�s pleasant climate may soon become a thing of the past if the present rate of climate change continues unabated.
During a Legislators� Dialogue on Climate Change Adaptation in Aizawl on Friday, it was revealed that Mizoram is among the States most vulnerable to global warming.
The dialogue was informed that records have shown that erratic rainfall pattern and volume, instances of violent winds, sharp decrease in forest cover, increase in vector-borne diseases which were previously not recorded, changes in flora and fauna pattern and so on, could be attributed to climate change.
The dialogue was jointly organised by the Government of Mizoram and the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), along with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP) and Mizoram Sustainable Development Foundation (MSDF).
MLAs, councillors of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation, commissioners and secretaries of different government departments took part in the discussion.
According to data presented at the dialogue, the forest cover in Mizoram has declined by 562 square km between 2015 and 2017 due to climate change. Various new diseases, which were earlier unknown in the State, were reported because of global warming.
Speaking at the dialogue as the chief guest, Chief Minister Zoramthanga urged his fellow legislators to keep in mind that economic development should not come at the cost of the environment and development policies should go hand in hand with environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
Speaking at the programme, IMI secretary Pi Fanty Jaswal, IRS (retd), said that according to a study conducted by the Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment Programme, 50 per cent of India�s population depends on rivers. However, 30 per cent of these rivers have become dry while 50 percent of the rivers have been depleting gradually, he said.
Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo hosted the dialogue and spoke of the State Action Plan on Climate Change prepared by the State in line with the National Action Plan on Climate Change to adapt to climate change and how these are integrated with the State�s flagship programme, SEDP.
Mizoram Environment Forest and Climate Change Minister TJ Lalnuntluanga highlighted the State Action Plan on Climate Change meant to efficiently adapt to climate change.
