In a move to educate the masses on LiFE actions for promoting sustainable living and helping people tackle climate change, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 21 launched Mission LiFE in Assam in Guwahati.
Mission LiFE is a weeklong programme which is an initiative of the Science Technology and Climate Change Department to launch Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
The mission in Assam will be followed by a weeklong series of activities to be carried out at the district level addressing all seven categories of LiFE actions from March 22 to 28.
The seven categories of actions will be observed spanning seven days. The first day will be dedicated to saving water, second day save energy, the third day to reduce single-use plastic, the fourth day adopt sustainable food systems, the fifth day reduce waste, the sixth day reduce E-Waste, seventh day adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Speaking on the occasion, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that global warming is an alarming threat which is looming large on the lives of the planet.
“As an outcome of global warming, unprecedented flood and drought, drinking water scarcity etc are becoming very evident with a plausible impact on the economy. In such circumstances there is a growing need for awareness on the mass people to comprehend the adverse effects of global warming on nature as well as on flora and fauna,” Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The Assam chief minister also said over the last few years, there has been considerable shrinkage of wetland and green coverage in Guwahati. As a result, the people of the city along with its neighbours are facing acute problems with regard to health and their surroundings.
“Though people have theoretical knowledge of climate change and its adverse effects, there is a need for everybody to change their lifestyle and take actionable steps to reverse the trends of environmental degradation,” Sarma said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been advocating for clean and green energy, Sarma also said that in view of the nation’s vision for generating 500 GW of solar power by 2030, the Government of Assam has taken several steps to contribute to the nation’s march towards green energy.
He mentioned his government has already initiated processes to produce 3000 MW of solar power.
Sarma also said that to cut down carbon emission, the Assam government is introducing electric vehicles in Guwahati and by 2026 entire public transport will be run on non-fossil fuel and electricity.
Sarma said his government is also taking various nature-friendly steps like using earthen wares instead of plastic cups and similar things.
He said that the effort would greatly be helpful in reviving the earthenware market.
“State government in Assam in view of the encroachment of the forest land has taken steps to recover 6067 hectre forest land from the encroachers. This has helped the state to restore its green coverage to a great extent,” Sarma said.
He on this occasion urged upon everybody to lend their hands for the success of Mission LiFE.
He said adherence of the people to Mission LiFE will help the state in conserving water, saving energy and promoting a desirable lifestyle for the judicious use of natural resources.
The Assam chief minister on occasion presented Climate Resilient Village Fellowship Cards to some competent fellows to direct their efforts and energy for environmental protection.
He also distributed prizes to the winners who secured positions in the art competition organised in view of Mission LiFE.
