Climate Change Mitigation Measures in Telangana State, India

Abstract

Climate change is the result of long-term fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind and other atmospheric phenomena and such changes can occur from both natural and man-made processes. The changing climatic elements lead to risks and hazards for mankind and cause problems for livelihood. The mitigation measures are needed to adapt climatic variations. Telangana state is geographically located in the semi-arid area and has a predominantly hot and dry climate. The mean monthly maximum temperature recorded is 41 °C during May. December is the coldest month in Telangana and the mean minimum temperature recorded is 15.83 °C. The monsoon which enters into the State in the June month and lasts until September records 713 mm of precipitation. The state government adapted many climate change mitigation measures such as Mission Kakatiya, Mission Bhagiradha and Telanganaku Harithaharam, to tackle climate change impacts. In Telangana state the net area under tank irrigation is 9.1% and historically these tanks act as the important source for minor irrigation and drinking water purpose. Most of the tanks in the state were filled with erosion material and in order to restore these tanks ‘Mission Kakatiya’ program was launched by the Telangana government with an objective to fill up all minor irrigation tanks and lakes in the state. Similarly, ‘Harithaharam’ program is planned for large-scale tree plantation in the state and was launched on 5 July, 2015 with an objective to increase forest cover in the state from 22.66% to 33%. ‘Mission Bhagiradha’ is another flagship program of the state government, introduced to ensure safe and sustainable piped drinking water supply from surface water source to the entire state.