Chandigarh Administration moots centre to co-ordinate actions against climate change

The State-Level Steering Committee for the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) 2.0 has proposed to establish a dedicated climate change centre to coordinate inter-departmental actions, manage climate data and facilitate knowledge-sharing.

The second meeting of the committee was convened today under the chairmanship of UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma to discuss the roadmap for effective implementation of the SAPCC 2.0, following its approval by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

According to officials, the SAPCC 2.0 has outlined a focused strategy to build climate resilience, reduce emissions and mainstream sustainability into governance by 2030. Developed by the UT Department of Environment, SAPCC 2.0 aligns with national climate priorities. Based on detailed climate modelling and vulnerability assessments, the plan projects a significant rise in temperatures and heavy rainfall events by 2050, potentially intensifying urban challenges such as heat stress and flooding.

Flagship measures include promoting 100% renewable energy through Model Solar City initiatives, expanding electric mobility, promoting green building, enhancing rainwater harvesting, restoring wetlands and strengthening public health systems.

To ensure transparency and effective governance, SAPCC 2.0 incorporates a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework.

The meeting was attended by Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary, Home, Environment and Forest, Diprava Lakra, Secretary, Finance and Transport, Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forest-cum-Director Environment, Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ajay Chagti, Secretary, Health, Anup Kumar Soni, Additional Director, Environment, and other representatives of key stakeholder departments.

Administration to raise RERA awareness

The UT Administration will create public awareness about the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and its benefits.

UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma issued a direction in this regard during a meeting with Anand Kumar, Chairman, RERA, Delhi and Chandigarh, senior UT officials and representatives of key stakeholder bodies, including the Property Federation Chandigarh and CREDAI-Punjab.