It is a matter of great importance that rural people living in diverse conditions in Odisha are strengthened to face new challenges of climate change, keeping in view their specific conditions. People’s suggestions, based on location-specific details, should get due attention in the planning at village level.
When planning for climate change mitigation or reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a question, the chance of success is more if people’s location specific suggestions are properly considered and adopted.
Hence, local bodies should be involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation exercises.
Therefore, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Odisha have a very important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. At the same time, efforts should be made to improve the capacity of PRIs to do justice to this role and the accompanying responsibilities. PRIs exist all over rural Odisha.
Hence, it is likely and also well justified that substantial extra funding should be available for an effective and significant role of the PRIs for tackling climate change effects.
At the same time, there is a considerable need for strengthening the capacity of the PRIs. While improving training of PRI representatives, more specifically, there is a need for incorporating climate change and its mitigation and adaptation aspects.
There are some associations and organizations which seek to organize and mobilize PRI representatives on issues of high social relevance.
Such organizations can also take up climate change related issues with a sense of urgency. With better training and information, PRIs can play a very important role in significant areas of climate change regarding adaptation and mitigation.
The possibility of droughts, including more prolonged and recurring ones, will increase in times of climate change. Panchayats can help in reducing the damage and distress. Protection from drought can be achieved to some extent by careful water and moisture conservation as well as by planting more trees, including fruit and fodder trees, in and around the villages as well as by improved maintenance of pastures.
Panchayats can implement the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act properly to ensure that adequate water and moisture conservation work is taken up for protection from drought. During difficult times of climate change, rural employment work can provide livelihood support to the people. At the same time, care should be taken to ensure that useful assets are created particularly for drought proofing.
Panchayats can make an important contribution by making available to farmers drought resistant seeds. They can maintain grain banks to ensure food security to the most vulnerable households.
The Panchayati Raj system can work at various levels to reduce the risk of heat wave deaths. Working hours of those toiling in the open can be changed to reduce their exposure to heat wave. Special arrangements for ensuring drinking water to the elderly people living alone or with small children (for example parents of migrant workers) can be made by panchayats. Cold drinking water can be arranged in well shaded places near the main road or path. Shelters with adequate supplies of cold water can be provided for the visitors. District hospitals, community and primary health centers should be well equipped to provide prompt and free healthcare to all heat wave victims.
(The writer is consultant, ISS, New Delhi. He can be contacted over sahayashok@hotmail.com)