Jharkhand

• 20 Jul 2023

Vision Document of Sustainable Just Transition released

Why in News?

On July 19, 2023, in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, in a program organized by SEED under the joint auspices of the Forest Department and Jharkhand State Pollution Control Council, Chief Secretary of the state Sukhdev Singh released the vision document 'Nav-Nirman ki ore Agrasar' related to the outline of Sustainable Just Transition.

Key Points:

• In the program, to prevent the growing crisis of climate change in the country, it has been said to achieve the net-zero goal of Vision 2070, in which the role of the task force will be important.
• It is known that since November 2022, Jharkhand is the first state in the country to constitute a 'Task Force' in this direction.
• The Chief Secretary said that the Sustainable Just Transition Task Force is important not only for the state but also for India's ambitious goals related to climate change and walking on the path of the green economy.
• A convergence approach and comprehensive vision is very important in national and state-level efforts for better results towards a carbon-neutral and climate-friendly economy.
• There is a target to generate power through renewable energy in Jharkhand, in which solar energy, hydrogen energy etc. will be important sources. Lakhs of people in the state derive their livelihood from the coal & thermal power plants and their associated local economy, small-scale industries & the unorganized sector.
• Union Coal Secretary Amrit Lal Meena told an online medium in the program that the Central Government has taken steps towards achieving the goal of Net-Zero of Vision 2070. Jharkhand has set an exemplary example in front of other states in setting strategies for sustainable transition. The vision document is a far-reaching and commendable effort of the state government and the task force.
• A sustainable energy transition is essential for minimum carbon emissions. Coal will continue to play an important role in future energy needs and in accelerating the energy transition.
• Union Coal Secretary said that this vision document is guided by the goals of carbon emission-free economy and sustainable development in the country, which has been prepared through inter-departmental meetings, national and state consultations and the participation of all stakeholders.
• This vision document has been prepared through the study and analysis of renowned research partners and best practices of the country and the world under an inclusive and participatory process.
• Eight areas have been given special attention to develop the transition roadmap as a priority, including Livelihood Transition, Energy Transition, Decarbonization Pathway, Coal Transition, Sustainable Mobility Transition, Green Hydrogen, Investment and Finance and Institutional Change.
• This vision emphasizes on achieving environmental, social and economic aspirations in the state in line with the climate and net-zero goals.
• Emphasizing the need for a convergence approach in the process of sustainable transition, SEED CEO Ramapati Kumar said that this is a historic and visionary step, as for the first time in the country a state has presented a vision document on sustainable transition. It provides a broad outline of climate governance in the state.
• This initiative of the state government will strengthen the national and global efforts for climate solutions. Inter-departmental convergence is essential for a climate-resilient and future-ready economy.