ASDMA convenes workshop on collaborative approaches to Inclusive Energy Planning in Assam
Guwahati,Rongili Barta: WRI, India in collaboration with Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), convened a day-long workshop on collaborative approaches to Inclusive Energy Planning in Assam today in Guwahati. The workshop aimed to explore the integrated approaches of the various government departments to energy planning that support climate resilience and inclusive development across the state.
The workshop also strained to strengthen collaboration among different government departments and develop actionable strategies and solutions that deliver tangible benefits to communities while enhancing long-term climate resilience.
In his address to the present delegates during the inaugural session of the workshop, Shri Rajendra Singh Bharati, IFS, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department welcomed the approach of inclusive energy planning which would focus on identifying and developing innovative work streams that leverage the collective expertise of all involved stakeholders.
Smt. Indrani Laskar, ACS, Additional Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, Govt. of Assam in her speech said that the current energy systems are often measured through linear metrics, like grid connections, but we must shift towards a more holistic, citizen-centric, and community-led approach through increased investment in clean technologies, green finance and innovative tools like blue bonds to ensure equitable and sustainable energy futures.
Shri Alakananda Medhi, ACS, State Project Coordinator, ASDMA said that this collaborative approach of the respective key government departments working in the field of disaster management would create some impactful solutions that drive meaningful change on the ground, benefiting communities and stakeholders alike.
The workshop complied with the panel discussions like Data –driven planning and Introduction to green budget with the panellists i.e. Shri PLN Raju, Special Secretary, Govt. of Assam, Smt. Suchitra Devi, Scientist F, NESAC, Shri Kunal Borah, GIS Expert, T&CP, Smt. Akansha Saklani, EAE India Lead, WRI, Shri Qamar Javed, GM, NABARD, Guwahati, Prof Anamika Baruah, IIT Guwahati, Dr Rizwan Uz Zaman, Senior Technical Consultant, ACCMS etc. who to drive impactful outcomes through discussions on the challenges, opportunities, and achievements of data-driven planning carried out by various departments, institutions, and individuals, while focusing on the scope and strategies for utilising the existing state green budget.
As a result, the organisers established a working group among the line departments to accelerate the use of the EAE platform for improved planning and thereby implement those through an innovative financial mechanism.
The workshop was also attended by the nodal officers of all the line departments of Govt. of Assam and senior officials of WRI, India and ASDMA.