Green initiative Nauni varsity leads climate-resilient dev drive

In a concerted effort to chart a roadmap for Climate-Resilient Human Development (CRHD) in Himachal Pradesh, the Department of Environmental Science at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, hosted a pivotal consultation meeting focused on the formulation of the State Human Development Report (SHDR) on Climate Change.

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The CRHD approach emphasises building sustainable communities and economies that can withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change while improving human well-being. It integrates climate action with sustainable development, focusing on both mitigation—reducing greenhouse gas emissions — and adaptation — adjusting to the evolving climate. The ultimate aim is to enhance social, economic, and ecological resilience, ensuring a livable planet for all.

The session was graced by Dr Suresh Attri, Chief Scientist-cum-Member Secretary, Department of Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change (DEST&CC), Government of Himachal Pradesh, alongside experts and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). University participants included Dr S.K. Bhardwaj, Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Coordinator of the SHDR initiative, faculty members, subject experts, and PhD scholars. Dr Vishal Rana, Joint Director of Research, and Dr Rakesh Sharma, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, also shared their insights on sustainable development under shifting climatic conditions.

Dr Bhardwaj emphasized the department’s continued efforts in climate impact research and the need for an actionable blueprint that bridges scientific understanding with grassroots realities. Discussions centered around region-specific vulnerabilities and adaptive strategies across agriculture, horticulture, and forestry sectors.

Stressing the importance of horticulture-based agroforestry models, Dr Bhardwaj advocated for their adoption to enhance resilience against weather extremes. Echoing this, Dr Vishal Rana highlighted fruit crop diversification as a promising adaptation strategy.

During the focused session, Dr Attri and the UNDP team interacted directly with scholars to ensure the report includes both scientific insights and community-level inputs. He commended the university’s proactive initiatives and reaffirmed DEST&CC and UNDP’s commitment to inclusive, climate-resilient development through collective and collaborative action.