Legislatures must plan for structural shifts caused by climate change: RS Deputy Chairman Harivansh
In Kohima on Tuesday, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh urged lawmakers across India’s Northeastern region to take a leading role in tackling climate change. Speaking at the 22nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference, he called for policies that go beyond adaptation and aim to prevent future damage by building climate‑resilient systems.
Harivansh used the gathering to highlight the importance of parliamentary oversight in ensuring that government programs actually deliver on their promises. He emphasized that legislators must monitor projects closely and hold governments accountable, especially since the Union budget dedicates 10 % to the Northeast and around 1.35 lakh crore rupees has been earmarked for externally aided projects in the region.
“Legislatures must ensure there is proper monitoring and that implementation matches intent,” he said. He pointed to Sikkim’s example: the state became India’s first fully organic region in 2016, showing that economic growth can align with environmental sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Deputy Chairman also discussed the evolving nature of work and the need for parliamentary guidance as India’s economy shifts. He welcomed insights from speakers such as Assam’s Speaker Biswajit Daimary, who stressed raising awareness of Viksit Bharat—India’s vision for inclusive development—at the constituency level.
Harivansh highlighted several positive trends in the Northeast: improved infrastructure, growth in agro‑processing, and the rise of eco‑tourism. He praised Meghalaya’s Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh for calling out the need to streamline land and labour laws to boost investor confidence.
When addressing climate change, Harivansh described natural disasters in the Northeast as clear evidence that environmental shocks can disrupt livelihoods and economies. He urged state legislatures to plan proactively for structural shifts caused by climate change, encouraging resilient policy frameworks that not only adapt but also prevent future damages.
To illustrate the effectiveness of local action, he visited Khonoma Village, the world’s first green village. “It is a living example of sustainable living. Small individual actions add up to big differences in protecting the environment,” he noted.
In closing, he reminded lawmakers of India’s long‑term goal to become a developed nation by 2047, a vision that requires sustained GDP growth, inclusive policies, gender equality, and social equity. He underscored the need for localised solutions and indigenous software to reduce dependence on foreign technology, a strategy he compared to China’s approach in safeguarding national interests.
The CPA, founded in 1911, brings together more than 180 legislatures from 53 Commonwealth countries. Today, the Commonwealth represents 2.7 billion people, with India accounting for half of that population. Harivansh’s remarks at the Congress in Kohima served as a reminder that strong parliamentary leadership can accelerate progress toward a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the Northeast and for India as a whole.
Source: ianslive
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