Karnataka’s 13-Department Climate Action Plan: Bold Launch Confronts Critical Challenges

Karnataka was one of the first states to prepare a climate action plan in 2021. While the entire state is affected by climate change, 20 districts were identified as vulnerable, and 9 were classified as highly vulnerable due to socio-economic factors.

The plan highlights how sectors like agriculture, industry, and energy are at risk from climate change. However, the State Action Plan on Climate Change (KSAPCC) was officially approved only in April 2024 due to delays from the central government.

Implementation and Budget

In the 2025-26 state budget, Climate Action the government announced the implementation of KSAPCC. A committee led by the Chief Secretary has set up a system to define targets and track progress at two levels.

The KSAPCC will cost around ₹53,000 crore per year, but the central government will not provide funding. The state government has instructed departments to fund climate-related programs within their existing budgets Climate Action.

Departmental Goals and Monitoring

The Environment Department has identified 13 key departments as major stakeholders. These departments have submitted 21 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track their climate efforts.

Agriculture Department: Climate Action Plans to increase the cultivation of millets and climate-smart crops from 33.20 hectares to 34.61 hectares in five years.

Forest Department: Aims to expand mangrove forests from 1,300 hectares to 1,800 hectares to help reduce coastal erosion.

Each department will work flexibly to meet these targets, and their progress will be monitored under the Green Index programme by the Environment Management Policy Research Institute.

Monitoring Committees

The implementation of the KSAPCC will be tracked at multiple levels:

Departmental Evaluation Committee: Led by the Karnataka Evaluation Authority Commissioner, this committee will review each department’s performance.

Department Monitoring Committee: Climate Action An eight-member team headed by the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary will oversee departmental progress.

State-Level Steering Committee: Led by the Development Commissioner, this committee will coordinate efforts between departments and suggest improvements.

Government’s Commitment

According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests B P Ravi, these steps are crucial for the success of the KSAPCC. He emphasized that the government is now fully integrating climate action into various departments to address key challenges. The monitoring committees will ensure that all adaptation and mitigation efforts are properly implemented.

By aligning different departments and tracking progress, Karnataka aims to create a sustainable future while tackling climate change challenges effectively.

What’s the Big Idea?

The core of this plan is simple: to make Karnataka more resilient to climate change and to reduce its carbon footprint. It’s about finding ways to live and grow without harming the planet as much. Think of it like this: if your house is leaking, you don’t just ignore it. You fix it. Karnataka is trying to fix the “leaks” in its system that are causing climate problems.

The plan covers a wide range of areas. Let’s break it down:

Forests and Environment: This is about protecting and growing forests, which help absorb carbon dioxide (a major cause of climate change). It also means taking care of natural resources like water and soil.

Agriculture: Farmers are on the front lines of climate change. The plan aims to help them use methods that are less harmful to the environment and more resistant to changing weather.

Energy: Moving away from fossil fuels (like coal and oil) to cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power is a big part of the plan. This also includes making buildings and industries more energy-efficient.

Water Resources: Climate change is affecting rainfall patterns, leading to droughts and floods. The plan aims to manage water resources better, ensuring everyone has access to clean water.

Urban Development: Cities are growing fast, and they produce a lot of pollution. The plan focuses on making cities more sustainable, with better public transport, green spaces, and waste management.

Health: Climate change can lead to heatwaves, air pollution, and the spread of diseases. The plan aims to strengthen the health system to deal with these challenges.

Disaster Management: Preparing for and responding to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and cyclones is crucial. The plan aims to improve early warning systems and build stronger infrastructure.

Industries: Encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce their pollution is another key aspect.

Transport: Promoting public transportation, walking, and cycling, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

Rural Development: Empowering rural communities to adapt to climate change and build sustainable livelihoods.

Education: Raising awareness about climate change and educating people about how to live more sustainably.

Planning, Programme Monitoring & Statistics: Keeping track of progress and making sure the plan is working.

Finance: Finding ways to fund the plan and invest in climate-friendly projects.

Why is This Plan Important?

Karnataka is facing serious climate challenges. Here are a few:

Changing Rainfall: The state is seeing more extreme rainfall events, with some areas experiencing floods and others facing severe droughts Climate Action.

Rising Temperatures: Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, affecting people’s health and putting a strain on resources.

Forest Loss: Forests are being Climate Action cleared for development, reducing the state’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and protect biodiversity.

Water Scarcity: Many areas are facing water shortages, especially during the dry season Climate Action.

Urban Pollution: Cities are becoming increasingly polluted, affecting air quality and people’s health.