Odisha’s forests, rivers, & biodiversity at risk from Climate Change

Almost half of the state of Odisha in India is exposed to vulnerability due to climate change, according to the scientific analysis conducted by the Central government. The analysis classified 14 of the 30 districts as high-risk areas, 13 as medium-risk areas, and 3 as low-risk areas.

In 2021, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducted a study on “Risk Assessment and Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change” under the “National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture” project, which provided insights into the Odisha state.

The study report includes information on the relative position of 30 rural districts of Odisha in relation to climate change risk and various determinants such as exposure, vulnerability and hazard.

The government has sanctioned a project under the National Climate Change Adaptation Fund worth Rs 20 crore, aimed at conserving water through runoff management in the river basin to reduce vulnerability and improve the resilience of traditional livelihoods in the Nuapada district of Odisha.

In addition, Biodiversity Management Committees have been set up and Popular Biodiversity Registries have been set up to document local flora and fauna.

Various state-level research organizations, universities, and academics conduct climate change studies as mandated. Several departments/ministries are increasingly carrying out similar studies on the impact of climate change in the sectors for which they are responsible.

Regular data collection, monitoring, analysis and results from various agencies including the Indian Botanical Service, Indian Geological Survey and Indian Forest Service provide continuously updated information on the state of landscapes and ecosystems of India.

These results are used by government scientific institutions and the scientific and academic community in general for specific analyses, including the impact of climate change and other social and economic stressors.

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