Harivansh calls for community-led climate action as CPA Zone–III conference concludes in Kohima

DIMAPUR — Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, on Tuesday stressed the need for a holistic and community-based approach to address climate change in the North East, as the 22nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone–III Conference concluded in Kohima.

Delivering the keynote address during the day two plenary on “Climate Change in the Light of Recent Cloudburst and Landslides in Some North East Region,” he said the region has witnessed increasing instances of cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods, with over 800 landslides recorded as of mid-2025.

Recalling Rabindranath Tagore’s warnings on the exploitation of nature, he said the concerns remain relevant amid global ecological imbalance. He added that India has undertaken policy measures and community-level efforts to strengthen climate resilience, highlighting the Disaster Management Act, early warning systems, and the Common Alerting Protocol-based Integrated Alert System.

Harivansh also emphasised investment in scientific research, noting his support through MPLAD funds for a Centre for Earthquake Engineering at IIT Patna and a Centre for River Studies at Aryabhatta Knowledge University. He commended the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for establishing a Committee on Climate Change and other initiatives aimed at sustainable development.

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Urging greater coordination among North Eastern states, he called for stronger climate action plans, improved town planning, sustainable resource management, and recognition of indigenous knowledge systems. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said environmental protection must be viewed as integral to human development.

In his closing address at the conference later in the day, Harivansh said legislatures must anticipate structural changes brought by climate change and ensure that development plans integrate resilience. He described the two plenary sessions as marked by “vibrant debates” and shared commitment to public welfare.

He noted that India@2047 is a continuing process requiring state-specific milestones. Referring to Assam Speaker Biswajit Daimary’s intervention, he said awareness on Viksit Bharat must extend to the constituency level. He also cited Sikkim’s achievement of becoming India’s first fully organic state in 2016, describing it as an example of aligning growth with sustainability.

As India’s economy evolves, the nature of work and employment will also transform, he said, highlighting that legislatures have a crucial role not just in framing policies but also in guiding citizens through this socio-economic transition.

Highlighting central support to the North East, Harivansh said 10% of the Union Budget is earmarked for the region. From 2017 to August 2023, the Ministry of DoNER supported 126 Externally Aided Projects worth INR 1.35 lakh crore, while the department of Economic Affairs recommended 124 projects worth INR 1.26 lakh crore for external funding during the last decade. Effective impact, he said, depends on strong legislative oversight.

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“Legislatures must ensure there are proper monitoring and that implementation matches intent,” he remarked.

He quoted Meghalaya Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh on the need to address gaps in land and labour laws to build investor confidence and urged state legislatures to hold annual discussions on Viksit Bharat.

Harivansh also referred to improving infrastructure, agro-processing, eco-tourism, and the Act East Policy as key drivers of growth. Drawing on his visit to Khonoma, he described the village as a “living example of sustainable living,” illustrating the value of collective action. He said recent disasters in the North East highlight the social and economic disruptions caused by environmental shocks.

He also underlined the region’s unique ecological challenges, recalling Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio’s remarks on the delicate balance between abundant natural resources and the limitations on their commercial use. He urged that the dialogue on environmental protection and sustainable development must continue through the next decade.

Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, in his remarks, said the conference showcased legislative innovation, procedural reforms, and inclusive governance. He highlighted the opportunities offered by ASEAN, noting that India-ASEAN trade has reached USD 123 billion. He said cooperation in tourism and health services, and improved connectivity such as the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway, should be priorities for the region.

Kenye noted that the CPA, founded in 1911, now includes over 180 legislatures from 53 Commonwealth countries. He said India’s aim of becoming a developed country by 2047 requires sustained high growth, innovation, and inclusive policies that address poverty, inequality, and regional divides.

Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and Vice Chairman of CPA India Region Zone–III, Thomas A Sangma, expressed gratitude to participants and said the sessions strengthened regional legislative bonds. He acknowledged the presence of national and regional leaders and said the deliberations would guide efforts toward deeper cooperation.

Nagaland Deputy Speaker S Toiho Yeptho, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation to speakers, panellists, and delegates for their contributions, saying the discussions would support stronger democratic institutions and regional collaboration.

Earlier, Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer paid tribute to Imkong L Imchen, Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, who passed away on Tuesday. The House observed a two-minute silence in his honour.

The conference concluded with a cultural soirée at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Complex, showcasing the cultural heritage of the state.