Senior officials from crucial Uttar Pradesh government departments convened in Lucknow on Monday for a significant brainstorming session aimed at accelerating the state's development blueprint under the Viksit UP-2047 initiative. The high-level workshop brought together diverse stakeholders to formulate strategies for balanced and sustainable growth that harmonizes economic progress with environmental protection.
Multi-Stakeholder Deliberations for Sustainable Growth
The gathering saw participation from officials representing the department of environment, forest and climate change, UP New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA), technical experts, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders. The primary focus remained on integrating environmental considerations at every level of policy-making and implementation, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of ecological degradation.
Participants engaged in detailed discussions about long-term strategies for sustainable and climate-inclusive development, with multiple experts presenting actionable suggestions for the state's roadmap. The workshop forms part of a series of stakeholder consultations for the formulation of the comprehensive 'Viksit UP-2047 Action Plan'.
Key Officials Outline Vision for Green Uttar Pradesh
Anil Kumar, Principal Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms and establishing a robust institutional framework. He articulated the vision for Uttar Pradesh to emerge as a leading climate-inclusive state in the country.
Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary of Planning, stressed that climate-related considerations must become integral to long-term development planning to ensure sustainable progress. He highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental stability and economic growth.
Forest conservation received significant attention with B Prabhakar, PCCF (Monitoring), outlining the critical importance of ecosystem restoration and implementing district-level climate adaptation measures to build resilience across Uttar Pradesh.
Renewable Energy and Climate Finance Initiatives
Inderjit Singh, Director of UPNEDA, highlighted the substantial potential for expanding renewable energy infrastructure across the state. His presentation focused on practical pathways to increase the share of clean energy in Uttar Pradesh's power mix.
B Chandrakala, Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, delivered comprehensive insights on multiple fronts. She emphasized the necessity to accelerate renewable energy adoption, substantially reduce carbon emissions, and promote circular economy principles with enhanced resource efficiency.
Chandrakala also addressed the financial aspects of climate action, stating that infrastructure development must incorporate climate-resilient features while mobilizing climate finance through innovative instruments like green bonds, blended finance mechanisms, and accessing international climate funds.
The collective deliberations marked a significant step toward positioning Uttar Pradesh as a model for sustainable development, where economic aspirations and environmental stewardship progress hand in hand toward the Viksit UP-2047 vision.
