Shimla Declaration:
The Government of Himachal Pradesh through Department of Environment, Science &
Technology organized the first ever Himalayan Chief Ministers Conclave on ''Indian
Himalaya: Glaciers, Climate Change & Livelihoods'' at Shimla on 29-30 October,2009
with the objective to discuss the issues of environment degradation, climate change
and its impact on the livelihood of local inhabitants of Himalayan region. The two
days conclave was organized in two parts. On 29th October, technical discussions
and presentations were made for the policy makers on vital issue of retreat of Himalayan
Glaciers and its impact on the society. This was followed by Chief Ministers’ Conclave
on 30th October 2009, wherein the recommendations based on the deliberations with
policy makers were presented and a declaration entitled “Shimla Declaration” was
made.
About 350 participants from States of Uttrakhand,Jammu & Kashmir,Sikkim, Arunachal
Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh along with participants from National institutes as
well as from International Donor organizations participated in the deliberations.
Some of the distinguished dignitaries who graced the occasion by their presence
were as follows:
- Sh.Jairam Ramesh,Hon’ble Minister of State for Environment and Forests(Independent
Charge),Govt. of India.
- Sh.Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’,Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttrakhand.
- Mian Altaf Ahmad, Hon’ble Forest Minister, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh.
- Sh.J.P.Nadda,Hon’ble Science & Technology Minister, Himachal Pradesh.
- Smt.Sarween Chaudhary, Hon’ble Social & Women Empowerment Minister, H.P.
- Mr Gajanand Pathmanathan, Senior Manager, South Asian Region for Sustainable Development
Operations, World Bank.
- Mr.Andreas Schild, Director ICIMOD, Nepal.
- Dr.R.S.Tolia, Chief Information Commissioner and Ex. Chief Secretary, Uttrakhand.
- Ms Sunita Narain, Director, Centre for Science & Environment, New Delhi.
In order to face the challenge of Climate Change and Sustainable Development, a
joint programme called 'Shimla Declaration on climate change and Himalayan Development'
was evolved. The issues that were finally agreed upon are:
- Establishment of a Himalayan Sustainable Development Forum (HDSF)
- Setting up State Councils for Climate Change
- Catalyzing research for policy action
- Payment for ecosystem services
- Managing water resources for sustainable development
- Challenge of urbanization
- Green transportation
- Dealing with impacts of climate change on livelihoods
- Decentralized energy security
- Managing growth of eco-friendly tourism and pilgrimage
Major Actions:
In order to achieve the objectives of the National Action Plan on Climate Change
(NAPCC) and dovetail State’s initiatives with the Centre, Himachal Pradesh Government
constituted State Level Governing Council on Climate Change vide Notification Number
STE-F(1)-12/2008 dated 29.08.2008
Government constituted State Council for Climate Change under the Chairpersonship
of Worthy Chief Secretary, Himachal Pradesh and Notified vide Notification Number
STE-F(1)-12/2008-I pursuant to the 'Shimla Declaration on Sustainable Himalayan
Development'
Set up a State Centre on Climate Change in Himachal Pradesh in the State Council
for Science Technology & Environment.
Preparation of Draft
State Action Plan for Climate Change through vulnerability assessment of various
sectors at the Tehsil level.