State to increase green cover, water-saving crops
CHENNAI: Realising that most disasters are induced by climate change, the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Policy-2023, released by Chief Minister MK Stalin here on Friday, highlighted the need to slow down extreme weather events by following climate change adaptation measures.
“There is a need to manage the onset of extreme weather events, frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as cyclones, floods and droughts. Climate change adaptation via water-saving crop husbandry, and increasing the green cover that results in carbon sequestration will be scaled up,” the policy said.
The government will devise a Climate Action Plan and focus on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation into development plans. It will also concentrate on the capacity building of departments and local bodies.
The policy listed ongoing projects, with the scope to take up disaster risk reduction. Some of the projects listed are establishing bio-shields, shelter belts to diffuse the intensity/impact of cyclone winds, land use regulations, floodplain regulations, regulation for the coastal ecosystem, prevention of sea water incursion, periodical maintenance of river mouths and others.
The policy objectives include replacing the existing approach of reactive relief with a proactive approach of mitigation and risk reduction, developing a new culture of prevention, preparedness and quick response to reduce vulnerability of the community.
The policy document noted that over the past century, over 50 cyclones have battered TN coast at various locations, posing a constant threat to people. Other frequent disasters in the State include floods, landslides, droughts, sea erosion and sea water incursion, heat waves, thunderstorms and lightning, industrial and chemical disasters, fire accidents, forest fires and others.
A few pockets of the State are vulnerable to earthquakes and fall under Zone II and III category. The State is also vulnerable to health-related hazards, epidemic and pandemic-prone diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, COVID-19 and other vector and waterborne diseases, the document added.