Chandra Mohan Patowary interacts with UNICEF Assam, children of flood-hit districts

GUWAHATI: A team from UNICEF Assam today called on Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary at the latter's office at Janata Bhawan and discussed various issues relating to climate change and its adverse impacts. Seven young climate activists from the flood-affected districts of Majuli, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Cachar, and Dibrugarh also accompanied the UNICEF delegation and interacted with the Forest Minister.

The young climate activists narrated their experiences, how their lives have been impacted by climate change, and their stories of resilience. They shared how they are working with gram sabhas to find solutions to the perennial problems of flooding and striving for environmental protection. They raised issues such as how devastating floods every year make it difficult for them to go to school during monsoons, the need for all-weather roads built over raised platforms in those areas, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, building toilets for girl students at government schools, etc. Each youngster also revealed their career ambitions.

The Environment and Forest Minister appreciated the young activists for their zeal to succeed, braving adversity to achieve their dreams, and also for their contributions towards combating climate change. He reiterated that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is committed to finding lasting solutions to climate change issues, actively working with partners like UNICEF. He urged the UNICEF team to write a letter with their suggestions and said that a common platform would be sought to be formed with all stakeholders for combating climate change.

He also said that the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister so that children's issues could be incorporated into the State Action Plan for Climate Change. The Minister was informed about steps being taken with the Education Department to include forest and environmental protection in the school textbooks. The delegation was led by Dr. Madhulika Jonathan, Chief of UNICEF Assam, a press release said.

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