Bhupen Goswami 

 GUWAHATI :Indian Chamber of Commerce in association with Assam Climate Change Management Society, Assam State Bio-Diversity Board, Pollution Control Board Assam, Oil india Ltd. & Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL) organized symposium on “Climate change: impacts, risks and adaptations in North East India” at Guwahati on 1 st December 2022 with an objective to have a strategic discussion on the way forward on various dimensions of climate change and its effects. Speaking at the program, Mr. Anurag Singh, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Assam Forest Dept said that ‘’The forest is a living being in itself and needs to be preserved to save the environment’’.

Mr. Singh also stated that ‘’in a subtropical region like North-East, the forest green cover is the only source of Carbon absorption’’. Mr. S. K. Jain, Chairman, Assam State Council-ICC in his welcome address shared that ‘’ The development of North East region require sound socio- ecological planning, with proactive mitigation action strategies to control the damage that impact the region’s ecology and communities.’’ Dr. Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board, Assam in his keynote address stressed on the wholesome engagement in matters of climate change and implement processes to mitigate the same. He stated that ‘’It is a reality today that climate change is impacting all of us in various forms of natural disasters like flash floods, unpredictable rain etc & to mitigate the impact of climate change participatory engagement of each individual is crucial.’’ Mr. Jayanta Barua, CEO – Skill Development Institute, Oil India Ltd. informed the house that ‘’as Climate change is a very significant subject being discussed globally, Oil India Ltd. is also engaged in efforts to signify the topic and motivating towards fulfillment of the Climate change Goal under Sustainable Development Goals’’. Dr. Rene Van Berkel, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Representative in India shared that ‘’Climate resilient infrastructure is a priority for the sustainable livelihood of North Eastern Region’’.

Dr. Shantanu Kumar Dutta, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board, Assam stated that ‘’Government & Industry Bodies should focus more on renewable energy for reducing carbon emission’’. Ms. Tarali Sarmah, Senior Assistant Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce moderated the program along with sharing the concluding remarks of the symposium. The other key stakeholders participated in the Seminar were Dr. Partha J. Das, Head (Water, Climate & Hazard Division) – Aaranyak; Mr. Mrinal Gohain, Senior National Lead ActionAid India; Mr. Samir Barua, Chairman-ICC Banking & MSME Committee; Dr. Amit Kumar Thakur, Associate Director & Head CSR, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi; Mr. Rizwan Uz Zaman, Technical Consultant, Assam Climate Change Management Society; Mr. Masfick Hazarika, Program Manager, Energy Program, World Resources Institute.