India will submit climate adaptation plan to UN

India plans to submit its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to the United Nations in November, coinciding with the COP30 climate conference in Brazil. The NAP aims to enhance the resilience of people, ecosystems, and economies, making climate adaptation a regular part of development practices. The country's environment ministry has been working on this plan and formed a national steering committee in May 2024 to guide its development. The committee includes various thematic working groups focusing on issues like water, agriculture, health, and disaster management. Gender equality is also a key element in the plan. Workshops have been held to discuss the NAP, with Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stating that it is a living document that will adapt to changing conditions. He emphasized the plan's role in integrating climate adaptation into national policies and development initiatives. The Minister outlined three key priorities for India: enhancing knowledge systems, reducing climate risks, and increasing the ability to adapt to climate change. Singh noted that adaptation is essential for the country’s future. Angela Lusigi, the Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme in India, affirmed the NAP's importance. She described it as a strategic roadmap for building climate resilience and promoting sustainable development throughout the country.