Afforestation in Bihar earns praise at COP-28

Bihar's achievements in afforestation, particularly through the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, were recognized globally during the COP-28 in Dubai.

The Bihar delegation, led by Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, highlighted the state's commitment to sustainable practices and its critical role in solving climate change problems.

Preyashi and Ecology Director Surendra Singh delivered a comprehensive account of Bihar's afforestation activities during the "Building Climate Resilience" discussion at the Indian Pavilion. The Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan, launched in 2019, took a holistic strategy, integrating water management, vegetation coverage, and the presence of life. almost the course of four years, the program resulted in the development and restoration of almost 150,000 water bodies, contributing to a significant increase in the state's green cover from 9.9% in 2019 to 14.75% in 2021.

Preyashi stressed the program's replicability in climate-vulnerable regions, such as South Asian countries and Sub-Saharan Africa, which are experiencing irregular floods and droughts. She also emphasized Bihar's pioneering implementation of a green budget beginning in the fiscal year 2020-21, with the goal of allocating funds to address climate change, conserve the ecosystem, and protect wildlife.

The international world praised Bihar's comprehensive strategy, acknowledging its critical role and providing encouragement to other regions dealing with climate change. Piyush Tripathi of the World Resources Institute India lauded Bihar's forward-thinking efforts, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Environment Programme indicating a long-term commitment to low-carbon development and climate resilience. The state's collaboration with international organizations demonstrates its commitment to data-driven, long-term climate initiatives.