Candidates challenged to commit to 20 actions to combat environmental crisis

A citybased environmental organisation has shot off an open letter to election candidates urging them to commit to 20 climate action initiatives while warning of the pressing realities of climate change in MaharashtraldquoAs Maharashtra heads towards a critical Assembly election we have written to candidates on behalf of citizens and organisations deeply invested in the sustainability and wellbeing of our state Climate change poses serious risks to our environment health agriculture and economy making it imperative for Maharashtrarsquos leaders to commit to robust climate actionWe have urged all candidates in the Maharashtra Assembly elections this year to consider and adopt the following 20 Climate Action Initiatives as part of their agenda ensuring Maharashtrarsquos sustainable growth and resilience for generations to comerdquo said the ambassador of Majhi Vasundhara known as the ldquoGreen Man of Mumbairdquo for planting over 60000 trees under his Mission Green Mumbai initiativeThe letter lists 20 key initiatives ldquoWe believe such initiatives are critical to building a healthier more prosperous and sustainable Maharashtra We hope that if elected you will champion these efforts and work with us towards a climateresilient futurerdquo the letter addedThe 20 Points1 Strengthen Green Infrastructure Invest in green building policies and encourage ecofriendly urban planning to reduce carbon footprints2 Promote Renewable Energy Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar wind and other sustainable options3 Reduce Plastic Waste Enforce and expand Maharashtrarsquos plastic ban alongside effective waste management systems4 Restore Forest Cover Increase forest cover through afforestation programs and protect existing green spaces5 Water Conservation Initiatives Enhance groundwater recharge conserve rivers and promote efficient water usage6 Waste Management Programs Develop comprehensive recycling and composting systems particularly in urban areas7 Promote Electric Mobility Support the adoption of electric vehicles with infrastructure development and user incentives8 ClimateResilient Agriculture Advocate for climatesmart farming practices to shield farmers from the impacts of climate change9 Protect Coastal Ecosystems Restore and safeguard coastal ecosystems including mangroves vital for biodiversity and climate resilience10 Strengthen Air Quality Management Implement stricter air quality norms pollution control measures and public awareness campaigns11 Green Jobs Promote training and education for sustainable environmentally friendly jobs12 Empower Local Climate Action Allocate funds for local governments to address regionspecific climate challenges13 Promote Energy Efficiency Encourage energysaving practices across public and private sectors14 Climate Education Programs Introduce climate awareness in school and college curricula to foster environmental responsibility15 Sustainable Public Transport Invest in lowemission efficient and widely accessible public transportation16 Disaster Resilience Planning Develop strategies to enhance community resilience against floods droughts and extreme weather events17 EcoTourism Development Promote sustainable tourism to protect Maharashtrarsquos natural heritage18 Biodiversity Protection Strengthen measures to protect the statersquos rich biodiversity including wildlife corridors and sanctuaries19 Urban Green Spaces Expand parks and green spaces in urban centres for better quality of life20 Environmental Data Transparency Improve public access to climate and environmental data to foster proactive community involvement