Tenure of officials affects climate change actions: Dr Umamaheshwaram Rajasekar

The Chair of Urban Resilience at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi, has termed the tenure of officials as one of the main reasons for ineffective climate change actions. Speaking at a one-of-its-kind event 'Sustainability Fair' at the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, Dr Umamaheshwaram Rajasekar cited the recent IPCC report that talks about 1.5 degree Celsius increase in the temperature of the planet.

"Officials or the municipal commissioners usually have tenures of two years and during that period, they do not have time to conduct a detailed analysis of climate change. By the time they wish to bring about change, they are posted to another city. Climate change actions require sustainability and long-term vision. Actual temperature change can only be quantified over a period of ten years, hence in many cases, it gets difficult for commissioners to take initiatives", he said.

Talking about smart cities, he said, "Even today, of the 100 cities, 50 are at very high risk of cyclones and floods. Hence, we are setting up an urban data observatory, to provide data on every front that can help in decision making. We are also developing a national framework and a network of 50 institutions of urban planning, urban management, engineering, urban design, etc, of which 20 are already on board to bridge the gap between academia and us. There will be a repository of challenges that the academia can directly work upon."

Need to take re-look at the Wildlife Act:

Shaymal Binoy Tikadar of Gujarat Ecology Commission threw light upon wildlife through a lens of sustainability. "Gujarat has been branded with 'Khushboo Gujarat Ki' campaign as when we brand a product, there are buyers for it. When wildlife is seen by tourists, it is called eco-tourism, but when the same animal is seen on a farm, it becomes an illegal lion show. We need to re-look at the Wildlife Act and the provisions of the same."

More than 25 exhibitors including government organisations, non-government organisations, independent agencies and industrial companies came together to share their sustainable development practices, activities, experiences and ideas in the areas of water conservation, water quality, renewable energy, climate change, pollution, waste management, natural resources, wildlife and ecosystems, among others.

Root Of Problem

The Chair of Urban Resilience at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, New Delhi, has termed the tenure of officials as one of the main reasons for ineffective climate change actions