NABARD organises district-level climate literacy workshop

Climate change has become a reality and a concerted effort is necessary to create awareness among all sections of the society to adapt to climate change and overcome the challenges posed by it, Rohini R. Bhajibhakare, District Collector, said here recently.

At the inaugural of the district-level climate literacy workshop organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in the city, Ms. Rohini said that climate change had not only affected the common public, but also corporate houses, forest wealth, cattle, and households. Scientists and research scholars of the district were already creating awareness among the farming community and preparing them for facing the climate change.

Tamil Nadu was a front runner from ancient days in adopting effective water management techniques. The ‘Kudimaramathu’ scheme had ensured conservation of available water and proper maintenance of water bodies by the stakeholders.

Ms. Bhajibhakare said that Salem district was once a groundwater abundant district and of late it has become the most ground water exploited district.

The rural development department implemented various projects at a huge outlay under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS). About 60 per cent of the funds have to be spent for protecting natural resources, rejuvenation of water bodies and increasing forest cover.

A.Periasamy, District Forest Officer, said that it was the duty of each and every individual to protect the existing natural environment.

He favoured creation of plastic-free zones on each and every office premises to get rid of the menace.

A.Bhama Bhuvaneswari, District Development Manager, NABARD, S. Selvaraj, Deputy General Manager, Indian Bank, N. Sriram, programme coordinator, KVK, Santhiyur and others spoke.

The Collector released awareness posters on the occasion.