Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction

Impacting as it does the lives of millions the world over, the issue of climate change has never taken a pronounced tone as it has now. If seen in Indian context, it has caused major catastrophes in the Himayalan regions impacting the lives of the people of states like Uttrakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The frequent floods, avalanches, landslides, forest fires are a real testimony to rising concerns about unpredictable weather and the climate change. Regions located at higher altitudes in Himalayas are particularly sensitive to climate change. People and their livelihood in these regions are dependent on ecosystem and natural resources and any imbalance caused by climate change directly impacts their lives. Many studies conducted by Madhyanchal Forum partners have suggested that crops have been affected due to hike in temperature; changes in onset and withdrawal of monsoon; overall rainfall and is intensity and too much or too less of rain. Incidences of damage to infrastructure and loss of lives have been reported during last one decade. Lakes in these regions too are vulnerable to climate change and can cause disasters. One such lake burst after excessive rain and glacial meltdown resulting in the loss of many lives and crops in 2013.Madhyanchal Forum is creating awareness on climate change and corresponding issues on the lives of community by facilitating studies and research at higher altitude, mainly inhabited by tribals.

Apart from this, Madhyanchal Forum also works intensively for those who are prone to or affected by natural calamities/disasters. In the recent years Madhaynchal Forum played a key role in rescue and relief work during Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand floods.