Rakesh Mathur: Sustainable Goals become a Grand Rallying Point beyond the Big Cities

A Report from the Chhattisgarh Green Summit, held recently in Raipur.

I was privileged to attend the 9th session of the GREEN SUMMIT held at Chhattisgarh, in Raipur, from 3-5 Oct 2024. The Green Summit is a creation of the VIBGYOR NORTH EAST FOUNDATION, a non- profit Organization, which specializes in Green Issues of North East India and works closely with Other Groups in the Region.Founded by Sh. Shankhadeep Chowdhary who heads the Jansukha, Eastern Chronicle & Mizoram Post Group of Newspapers, this 9th Edition of the Summit was held at Raipur in Eastern India in Chhattisgarh, in the hope of extending its footprint to other parts of Eastern India.

The event provides a platform for academicians, research scholars, industry leaders, policy makers, student organisations, civil society persons representatives, media persons, NGOs and stakeholders etc, to discuss and evolve key and effective solutions to environmental challenges, and encourage local art, craft, cuisines, handicraft etc, and engage with local communities and award & recognize local craftsmen, environmentalists etc.

The aim is to focus on the need for an integrated approach to sustainability of the Environment and Heritage.

It also aims to preserve and maximize and develop the potential of the unique biodiversity of the Region through awareness. programmes, showcasing sustainable livelihoods & skills.

The ultimate goal is to try and achieve Net Zero Emission, in line with the UN mandated Sustainable Development Goals.

At the summit, discussions ranged from Forest Conservation through Policy on Non Timber Produce, to support for forest dwelling communities, medicinal plants, greening of landscapes and Sustainable Tourism Practices.
Chairing the Session on Sustainable Tourism, I was reinforcing the goals before the country’s tourism industry, in fostering green growth. An enlightened panel included a Conservationist  and Elephant Custodian, an Educationist, a Leading Tour Operator and a Forest Officer. The Key Points that emerged were

a) Control Overtourism by Carrying Capacity Studies.

b) Promote Non Timber Forest Products like Tendu leaf, Beetle leaf, Honey, Supari, Herbs , Arjun Tree Bark, Kernal (Mango  Seed used in Cosmetics, Chocolate industry etc).

c) Impose strict laws on those who pollute including Noise Pollution.

d) Enforce best practices like use of flasks, bins in taxis etc.

e) Have a strict building code including materials.

f) Benefit the local community.

g) Education in Schools to be Responsible Citizens and Compulsory Social Service.

It was suggested that the states should have an empowered Ecotourism Board to implement the above.

Having attended previous meetings of the North East Green Summit, I strongly believe this is a platform doing great service to the cause of integrated sustainable development in the region.