(a) whether the Government is planning for a Low Carbon Rural Development in purview of climate change, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the States are also giving preference to Low Carbon Rural Development, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is receiving/has received any external financial assistance in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) and (b) The Government is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change in both urban and rural areas to ensure low carbon development. India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), submitted under the Paris Agreement to UNFCCC for the period 2021 to 2030, focuses on cleaner economic development, reduction in emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), increasing share of non fossil fuel in energy resources, enhancing carbon sink through forests, sustainable lifestyles, and better adaptation, etc. Thirty two States and Union Territories have prepared their State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCC) consistent with objectives of National Action Plan on Climate Change to address state specific concerns.
(c) and (d): The Ministry of Rural Development has received financial assistance from the World Bank under World Bank Rural Roads Project-II Additional financing with total funding of 500 million USD spanning 32 months. The project has become effective from 18th June, 2018 covering nine States with a target to construct/ rehabilitate/improve about 5500Km rural roads with 2000Km having green and climate resilient designs.
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