West Bengal's Commitment to Climate Justice: Equity in Mitigation and Adaptation

By A Staff Reporter: At the golden jubilee celebration of the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), an urgent call for climate justice and adaptation strategies echoed through Kolkata. Chairman Kalyan Rudra highlighted the severe climate challenges plaguing West Bengal, underscoring the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers, rising sea surface temperatures, and erratic rainfall patterns. These factors are profoundly impacting the livelihoods of the region’s residents, particularly the 5 million people living in the ecologically sensitive Sundarbans.

The panel discussion on “Climate Justice: Equity in Mitigation and Adaptation” underscored the need for equitable strategies to address these challenges. Dr. Rudra emphasized the pressing need for climate justice, advocating for prioritizing the most vulnerable communities who contribute minimally to global carbon emissions but suffer disproportionately from its effects. He proposed a shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar, tidal, and wind power to mitigate these impacts and foster sustainable development.

Prabhat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Irrigation and Waterways Department, provided a detailed account of the state’s initiatives. Key efforts include desilting nearly 700 kilometers of creeks to enhance freshwater flow, which has improved the region's aquatic ecology and farming practices. The invasive Vannamei shrimp, detrimental to the local ecosystem, has been replaced with native freshwater prawns, ensuring sustainable aquaculture.

Furthermore, rainwater harvesting projects under the Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo scheme are being implemented to address water scarcity. The construction of erosion-proof clay embankments with mangrove vegetation is another crucial measure. These green embankments not only prevent saline water intrusion, which devastates farmlands and local agriculture, but also reinforce the region's natural defenses against sea-level rise and storm surges.

World Bank-funded projects are instrumental in scaling up these initiatives. The financial support has bolstered excavation work and facilitated the steady inflow of freshwater, which is vital for the thriving prawn farming industry. This shift towards sustainable practices is pivotal for the region’s economic and ecological resilience.

Dr. Rudra concluded his address by emphasizing that despite West Bengal’s minimal carbon footprint, the state faces severe climate impacts. This reality underscores the importance of equitable mitigation and adaptation strategies to achieve climate justice. Other experts at the event echoed these sentiments, advocating for diverse ecological engineering approaches to combat environmental degradation and ensure the well-being of vulnerable communities.

Dr. Rajeev Singh highlighted the challenges smaller companies face in adopting environmentally friendly practices compared to larger corporations. They noted that the transition to a low-carbon economy requires significant technology and financial investment, making it a gradual journey. Indian companies are striving to keep pace with societal, governmental, and global market expectations in this regard.

Mr. Sandeep Kumar spoke on the importance of resource efficiency and the adoption of circular economy principles to minimize waste and optimize the use of materials. 

Additionally, the necessity of protecting ocean and aquatic life from the effects of climate change was emphasized by Mr. Subhodip Ghosh, given humanity's dependence on these ecosystems for food, livelihoods, and overall ecological balance.One notable mention by him was the Supreme Court of India's acknowledgment of the right to protection from climate change impacts as part of the fundamental rights to life. This judicial recognition reinforces the imperative for robust climate action and equitable solutions to safeguard the well-being of all citizens.

In the face of these formidable challenges, the coordinated efforts of the West Bengal government and international support offer a glimmer of hope. The comprehensive plan to establish more green embankments, set up rainwater harvesting projects, and channel freshwater flow is a testament to the region’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable development. Through these initiatives, West Bengal aims to foster a more equitable and sustainable future.