Patna, May 24 (PTI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary on Sunday said the state government was addressing the “burning issue” of climate change with seriousness and sensitivity, asserting that the newly-created Bihar Climate Green Fund (BCGF) would play a key role in increasing the green cover.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Choudhary said the fund reflected the government’s commitment towards tackling climate change.
“The fund, established under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, will help increase Bihar’s green cover in the coming years. It shows how serious the state government is about addressing climate change,” he said.
He said the fund would draw revenue from a 0.25 per cent cess on bids and agreements of various works departments, a 0.5 per cent cess on mining royalties, and a 1 per cent cess on registration of new vehicles.
Apart from these, voluntary public contributions and CSR support from industries will also contribute to the fund’s corpus, he added.
“At a time when the entire world is grappling with the impact of climate change and global forums are discussing solutions, the Bihar government’s sensitive and proactive approach towards containing climate change is exemplary,” Choudhary said.
Recalling former chief minister Nitish Kumar’s initiatives on environmental protection, he said the Jal-Jeevan Hariyali Mission launched in 2019 had emerged as a successful model for climate action.
“Even when many parts of the world were still debating ways to tackle climate change, Nitish Kumar, after extensive consultations, launched the Jal-Jeevan Hariyali Mission, which proved highly successful,” he said.
Choudhary said it was a “matter of happiness” that the present government led by Samrat Choudhary was continuing to work on the principles and methods laid down during the Nitish Kumar administration.
The deputy chief minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for reducing vehicular usage and limiting convoys.
“I urge citizens to adopt small lifestyle changes that can collectively make a significant difference in combating climate change. Industrialists, too, should contribute actively towards this cause,” he said. PTI SUK SOM
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