Mahabahu Climate Forum and Bajali District Administration Lead the Charge in Climate Action Leadership

Mahabahu Climate Forum and Bajali District Administration Lead the Charge in Climate Action Leadership

DILIP DAIMARY

Pathsala ( Assam/ India), July 21, 2025 – In a landmark initiative to combat climate change and foster climate action and environmental stewardship, the Mahabahu Climate Forum, in collaboration with the Bajali District Administration, successfully concluded its transformative six-day “Climate Action and Environmental Leadership Workshop” today.

Held from July 15 to July 20, 2025, at the District Commissioner’s Office conference hall and the Choukhuti Block Development Office, this initiative united officials, educators, students, and community leaders from Bajali and Pathsala town to address the escalating climate crisis.

In a world grappling with the intensifying impacts of climate change and global warming, this workshop emerges as a critical step toward localized, actionable environmental leadership, aligning with global efforts to mitigate the crisis and build resilient communities.

The Global Context: Climate Change and the Need for Action

Climate change, driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, has led to a rapid increase in global temperatures, with profound consequences for ecosystems, economies, and human well-being.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial levels, with projections indicating a potential increase of 2.5–4°C by 2100 without urgent action. This warming has triggered rising sea levels, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and health crises, disproportionately affecting vulnerable regions like Northeast India, where unique ecosystems face mounting pressures.

The “Climate Action and Environmental Leadership Workshop” in Bajali is a timely response to these challenges, embodying the principles of the Paris Agreement, which calls for limiting global warming to 1.5°C and fostering climate resilience.

By empowering local stakeholders-administrators, educators, students, and community leaders-the workshop aligns with global frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Its focus on grassroots engagement, practical solutions, and youth leadership underscores its significance in a world where localized action is critical to complement global policies.

Day One: Igniting a Movement for Climate Action

The workshop was inaugurated on July 15, 2025, at the Bajali District Commissioner’s Office conference hall, with a distinguished panel including District Commissioner Mridul Kumar Das, Vice-Chancellor of Bhattadev University Dr. Dhanapati Deka, President of Mahabahu Climate Forum and author Anjan Sarma, and internationally acclaimed climate activist Rituraj Phukan, Climate Editor and Convenor of Mahabahu Climate Forum.

The presence of principals, teachers, and community leaders highlighted a collective resolve to integrate environmental stewardship into Bajali’s educational and administrative systems.

Rituraj Phukan’s compelling narrative of his transition to climate activism underscored the urgency of addressing global warming’s far-reaching impacts, from melting polar ice caps to disrupted monsoon patterns in Northeast India. Ankuran Pathak, Environmental Engineer of the Assam Pollution Control Board, detailed the cascading effects of air, soil, and water pollution, which contribute to 7 million premature deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

His innovative proposal to repurpose waste for road construction resonated with global trends toward circular economies, as seen in initiatives like India’s Swachh Bharat Mission. Both speakers urged schools to adopt environmental education and an environmental protection oath, aligning with UNESCO’s push for Education for Sustainable Development.

The session was enriched by contributions from Dr. Ashraful Amin (District Development Commissioner, Bajali), Mr. Nirupam Lahon, Rupam Thakuria, and Dr. Kaushik Kumar Deka (Principal of Nirmal Haloi College). Ananda Khataniar, Green Ambassador of the Assam Government, shared state-level efforts, such as Assam’s ambitious reforestation campaigns. Other attendees, including Parikshit Talukdar (Bajali District Academic Council), Khargeswar Baishya (Deputy Range Officer), Dr. Nayan Jyoti Das (BHB College), Drisha Deori (Urban Affairs), Manas Kumar Chakraborty, Pulu Kumar Sarma (teacher and writer), Dr. Namita Das Gurung (Principal), Raju Sarma (WR Department), Dipak Deka (AEE Office), Jonak Deka (PHE), Dr. Ghanashyam Deka (Principal), Jyoti Kumar Das (Social Welfare), Niranjan Ojah (Samagra Siksha), Nirmal Das (MUKHA), Biplab Kumar Mahanta (Soil Conservation Department), Dipjyoti Deka (PWDR Department), Dr. Dipti Choudhury (Health Institution), Ratul Nath (PWRD), Jubli Patgiri (BHB College), Bhumidhar Dutta (Agriculture Department), and Mozammil Haque, added depth to the discourse. Presentations by Phukan on “Climate Crisis and its Solutions,” Dr. Deka on “Climate Science and Energy Cycle,” Pathak on pollution impacts, Sarma on “Historical Perspectives of Climate Migration,” and Das on “Climate Action” emphasized the intersection of science, policy, and community action.

Global and Local Perspectives of the Climate Crisis

On 16th July, Mahabahu Climate Forum started the day with Rituraj Phukan’s ‘Global and Local Perspectives of the Climate Crisis’ presentation and after that District Commissioner Mridul Kumar Das emphasized on “Grassroots Climate Action,” reflecting the success of community-driven models like India’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Ananda Khataniar’s “Planting Seeds of Hope” highlighted his planting of over 150,000 trees, a feat comparable to global reforestation initiatives like the Bonn Challenge. Again, Anjan Sarma spoke on the evolving societal upheaval fueled by climate change.

Safeguarding Northeast India’s Biodiversity

On July 17, the workshop relocated to the Choukhuti Block Development Office, a rural hub, reflecting its commitment to inclusive outreach. Dr. Anowaruddin Choudhury, a renowned naturalist and former district magistrate, delivered a captivating talk on “Biodiversity of Northeast India and Impacts.”

Northeast India, a biodiversity hotspot, hosts over 7,500 plant species and 500 mammal species, yet faces threats from deforestation and climate-induced habitat loss. Choudhury’s interactive session, with 12 students posing questions, highlighted the region’s youth-driven conservation potential, mirroring global movements like Fridays for Future.

Rituraj Phukan’s presentation on “Biodiversity Impacts of Warming” linked rising temperatures to species decline, citing studies showing that 1°C of warming could endanger 10% of global species. His call for climate mitigation resonated with international efforts, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity’s targets to protect 30% of global land and oceans by 2030. The session’s engagement with teachers, students, and locals underscored the workshop’s role in fostering community-led conservation.

The “Water Quality Audit,” led by Mridul Kumar Das and Dr. Sourabh Haloi, addressed water security—a critical issue as 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water (UN Water, 2024).

DC requested to bring drinking water samples from their home so that those could be tested aligning with WHO’s guidelines for community-based water monitoring.

July 18: Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
Chandan Bora, AGM of APDCL, presented on “Rooftop Solar Power for Empowering Communities,” aligning with India’s target of 500 GW renewable energy by 2030. His Q&A session, addressing costs and challenges like monkey damage (raised by Pulu Kumar Sarma), mirrored global discussions on renewable energy adoption barriers. Rituraj Phukan’s “Household Energy Audit” exercise empowered participants to reduce energy consumption, reflecting practices promoted by the International Energy Agency.

July 19: Health, Plastics, and Audit Outcomes
Phukan’s “Climate Change and Human Health” session highlighted links between environmental degradation and health crises, with WHO estimating that climate change could cause 250,000 additional deaths annually by 2030.

Anjan Sarma’s talk on “Humanity’s Struggle with Plastic Pollution” addressed the 8 million metric tons of plastic entering oceans yearly (UN Environment Programme). Dr. Haloi’s water audit results, showing no arsenic or fluoride but some iron and pH issues, prompted action from the Public Health Department, demonstrating responsive governance. Participant feedback forms ensured the workshop’s impact would inform future initiatives.

July 20: Empowering Youth and Global Connections
The final day featured Phukan’s “Youth Leadership of the Climate Movement,” emphasizing youth’s role in global climate advocacy, as seen in movements led by figures like Greta Thunberg. A virtual session with Aditya Pundir (Climate Reality Project) and Jadav Payeng, Assam’s “Jungle Man,” connected local efforts to global conservation narratives.

Participants, including Ananda Khataniar, Pulu Kumar Sarma, Naba Sarma, Dilip Kumar Das, Subham Sarkar, Dr. Akshay Kumar Haloi, Susmita Dutta, Anamika Das, Anjumani Thakuria, Tapashnu Sarma, Pari Patgiri, Satya Ram Dev Choudhury, Nazrul Islam, Arun Patgiri, Kaushik Sarma, Deep Lahkar, Nirmal Das, Varzina Sarma, Krishangi Goswami, Nabajit Das, Ikram Ali, Simanta Barman, Dhritiman Kalita, Dhrubajit Haloi, Dhanjit Kalita, Jeherul Islam, Tapan Chandra Sarma, G R Kalita, Daijee Das, Sailendra Talukdar, received certificates. Anjan Sarma’s call for students to write reflective articles ensured sustained engagement, while Mridul Kumar Das’s Vote of Thanks celebrated the workshop’s impact.

The Workshop’s Global Significance

The Bajali workshop is a microcosm of the global climate action movement. By integrating education, policy, and community action, it addresses the IPCC’s call for multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Its focus on biodiversity aligns with the Global Biodiversity Framework, while its renewable energy and water quality initiatives support SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The emphasis on youth leadership reflects the growing role of young activists in shaping climate policy, as seen in the UN Youth Climate Summit.

In a region like Northeast India, vulnerable to climate impacts like flooding and biodiversity loss, the workshop’s localized approach is a model for other communities worldwide. Its blend of expert knowledge, practical exercises, and global connections positions Bajali as a leader in environmental stewardship, contributing to a sustainable future in an era of unprecedented climate challenges.

21-07-2025

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