Maharashtra signs MoU with TERI on climate change study

Maharashtra government today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to study dangers of climate change in the state.

TERI would carry out research work at six places in the state and study impact of climate change on factors like foodgrain production, public health and status of water resources, an official said.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, Deputy CM Chhagan Bhujbal and Industry Minister Rajendra Darda were present at the MoU signing ceremony at Mantralaya. The MoU is for two years, the official said.

The move is a part of the state government's plan to prepare and submit a detailed action plan on climate change and implement the action plan to tackle problems related to climate change.

TERI is a non-profit organisation, which works extensively on issues related to environment, energy and sustainable development.

"We were in talks with TERI to carry out research work required to control the problems of climate change in the state. We have already identified several areas where research needs to be carried out. Apart from these areas, we will also ask them to identify other important areas where research work needs to be undertaken,” the official said.

The priority areas of research in the state include preparation and improvement of environmental status report with special emphasis on climate change, documenting biodiversity status, studying the impact of pesticides and insecticides on the crop production.

"TERI is one of the top-ranking organisations in the field of research. So, besides their role in research, we will also take their technical expertise for the implementation of other projects related to climate change," the official added.