Modi machinery in Kutch

AHMEDABAD: Maldives did it underwater. The Nepalese did it in the shadow of Mount Everest. And for Narendra Modi government, it is going to be the Kutch Desert. The message is loud and clear: Climate change is a reality and while states are doing all they can to create awareness, Gujarat is possibly the first state to put across the message in a striking and innovative manner.

The Gujarat government has begun a five-day Chintan Shibir in a tent city set up at Dhordo in the desert district of Kutch. Chief minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues, senior IAS officers, municipal commissioners and collectors of all districts have gathered at Dhordo to deliberate on state’s all-round development, with equal emphasis on addressing the issue of climate change.

On the second day of the Chintan Shibir, former President A P J Abdul Kalam would inspire the delegates on eco-friendly development. The tent city of Dhordo was set up to attract tourists for Kutch Ranotsav between December 1 and 3. The same tent city has now become the site for Chintan Shibir.

Talking to ET, P N Roychowdhary, Chintan Shibir in-charge, said: “All development aspects will be discussed with special reference to environmental concerns. Optimum utilisation of water in agriculture and energy efficiency are some of the themes.” Talking about the initiative, a state government official said Gujarat has sent out a message by organising the meet in the desert. The setting up of a separate department on climate change indicates that the government takes the issue seriously, the official added.

“Seeking the development of clean energy, the state government has also announced its solar and wind power policies. Mega projects in both the sectors are coming up in Banaskantha and Kutch,” he said. It may be noted that the state government has given approval to about 34 projects in the field of wind and solar power, including a 3,000-mw solar power project in the border district of Banaskantha, which is being developed by the Clinton Foundation.