A Workshop Cum Awareness Program on Climate Change was jointly organized by The Mizoram Remote Sensing Application (MIRSAC) and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Lunglei at Convention Center today. The workshop was attended by Government officials, NGO Leaders, media persons, academicians, Village Council leaders of various localities and students. The event was chaired by the Lunglei Deputy Commissioner Pi K. Lalrinzuali.

Addressing the gathering, Pi K. Lalrinzuali expressed hope that the workshop would lead to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change and the various adaptation and mitigation strategies amongst the key stakeholders present at today’s workshop. Referring to a study entitled ‘Climate Vulnerability Assessment for the Indian Himalayan Region Using a Common Framework’ jointly conducted by IIT Mandi, IIT Guwahati and IISc Bangalore, the DC pointed out that of India’s 12 Himalayan states, Assam, Mizoram and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) are the most vulnerable to climate change. Himalayan communities are generally more vulnerable to climate change because they have fewer livelihood options, limited infrastructure and a high dependence on natural resources, the study said.  Stressing on the gravity of our present situation, the Deputy Commissioner reminded the gathering to continue to plant more trees, use natural resources judiciously and adopt simple eco-friendly habits in their daily routines.

Dr. R.K. Lallianthanga, Chief Scientific Officer, Directorate of Science & Technology, Government of Mizoram spoke about the various initiatives and projects undertaken by his Department. After this, there were presentations on Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA), Digital 3-D Terrain Mapping & Modelling (3DTM) and District Level Climate Vulnerability Profile of Mizoram. After a lively Q&A and interactive session, the workshop ended with a vote of thanks from Pu Lalramdina, Scientist, MIRSAC.