Workshop on "Revisiting Tamilnadu State Action Plan for Climate Change Strategies : Sustainable Habitat Sector" conducted by CMDA on 24.01.2018 at 10.00 a.m. in the Eco-park, Chetpet, Chennai-31

The proceedings of the Workshop

• The list of participants is enclosed.
• The workshop started with registration of participants at 09.30 a.m.
• The MS, CMDA delivered the Inaugural address & elaborated the importance of the topic in the present context relevant to Chennai. He informed that India is considered highly vulnerable as the extent of exposure to Climate change is very high when compared to the most countries in the World. He informed that the following eight sectors are identified as focus area under TNSAPCC where the state needs to concentrate.
  • Sustainable Agriculture (and allied sectors)
  • Water Resources
  • Forest & Bio-diversity
  • Coastal Area Management
  • Energy efficiency, Renewable energy and solar mission.
  • Sustainable Habitat
  • Knowledge Management

The MS, CMDA elaborated on the impact of concentration of population in selected area resulting in pressure on the available limited resources. The rapid urbanization results in issues like shortage of food, water supply, issues related to sewerage, solid wastes, health, concretization, absence of greenery, energy consumption, growth in vehicle, extended travel hours, pollution, etc.

He detailed out various issues arising out of climate change and particularly about increase in temperature due to which the increase in sea level and its impacts.

The MS, CMDA cited various examples from International to National level on Climate Change and its impact on Urban Development. Urbanisation is closely linked to the economic activities in a particular area. Rapid increase in urban population increases the demand for housing and results in the problems of straining or breaking-down of sanitary facilities and other infrastructure in cities and towns. There is acute shortage of housing stock in urban areas because of the mushrooming growth of urban slums and creation of housing stock has been an important aspect of urban development. This set the tone for the workshop for further deliberations.

Then, Prof. Sudhir Chella Rajan, IIT-Madras gave the power point presentation on "Future Sea Level Rise -Assessment of Loss and Damage in Chennai in 2050".

During the presentation it was informed that during the period between 1985 & 2014 more 50 lakh people people were killed and 65 crores people were displaced from flooding events world-wide with damage in excess of 33 lakh crores. The climate change and Sea Level Rise (SLR) is not just inundation but also increase in coastal flooding due to storm surge, salt water intrusion and is complicated by land-subsidence and deposition of sediment along water channels. The sea level rise affects infrastructure, economic sectors, human well-being, ecosystems, etc.

A study has been conducted by IIT-Madras to assess the impact of Sea Level Rise. The study area is from Pulicat in the North to Mahabalipuram in the South.

He explained the following two Scenarios of Sea Level Rise.

Scenario-: This is defined as dangerous climate change, which increased emissions (RCP 4.5 or 8.6) and continued rapid melt in Greenland and Antarctica.

As a result, we can expect an average SLR of 1m in 2050 compared to pre-industrial average

Scenario-A: This is defined as catastrophic ice loss and assumed runaway breakdown of large ice shelves in Greenland and Antarctica. These dynamic effects and feedback processes result in an average of 3m SLR by 2050.

As per Scenario-A 12.05% and as per Scenario-B 29.94% of land in Chennai Metropolitan Area will be at risk due to Sea Level Risk. The study worked out the losses due to Sea Level Rise for both the scenarios.

The study alerts the steps to be taken to protect the coastal area and coastal people.

After the presentation, a Eco-Walk was organized. The participants walked around the Chetpet lake. The Chief Planner, CMDA explained the participants about the effective use of urban lung space for the benefit of local people and CMDA’s involvement in the Construction of Eco-Park. He also informed that the Eco-Park design was finalised after the public participation.

Then the workshop was adjourned for Tea-Break.

After Tea-break, Dr. Y. Somu Naidu, Manager, NABARD gave the presentation on financial support available to developing countries in combating climate change with funding by developed countries and other public & private sources. The fund is allocated in a ratio of 50:50 for mitigation and adaptation activities respectively. As on date, a total of USD 10.2 billion has been pledged to the Fund. However USD 179.3 million (1.9% of total amount pledged) has actually been signed till date.

He explained in detail about accessing the fund; project Investment Criteria, the strategic impact areas listed by Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the project and programme activity approval process.

Then, Mr.S.Selvadurai, Chief Planner, CMDA gave a presentation about the extent, population, Master Plan of Chennai Metropolitan Area. Also he explained the various sectors viz. Housing, Infrastructure, Water Supply & Drainage, Environment,etc dealt in Second Master Plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area - 2026.

Later, the key speakers clarified the queries of the participants and the workshop ended with vote of thanks and National Anthem. Lunch was arranged for all the participants.