Haryana’s climate resilience revolution: Villages take centre stage in renewed action plan

Haryana is redefining its climate change response with a revamped State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) that places villages at the heart of its strategy. This renewed plan aims to empower rural communities, strengthen grassroots resilience, and align climate goals with the state’s broader development objectives.

Delivering the keynote address at the ‘Agri-Jal Samvad: Enabling Ground-Level Climate Action – State-Level Consultation’ on the downscaling of the revised SAPCC, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests, and Wildlife, Anand Mohan Sharan, unveiled a transformative vision to make every village a frontline hub for climate action.

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“Climate change isn’t just a global challenge—it’s a local reality impacting our farmers, families, and fields,” Sharan stated.

With erratic rainfall, intensifying heat waves, and depleting groundwater threatening Haryana’s agriculture-based economy, the urgency is clear. Over half of the state’s population relies on farming, and increasing water scarcity is pushing rural communities to the brink.

“Resilience isn’t a choice; it’s a necessity,” he added.

The revised SAPCC serves as Haryana’s comprehensive blueprint for climate action. It targets critical sectors such as agriculture, water, biodiversity, forests, and health with clear, measurable goals.

From encouraging crop diversification and promoting natural farming to launching community-led water budgeting initiatives, the plan blends ambition with pragmatism. It also integrates climate priorities into existing government schemes like MGNREGA and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, ensuring synergy between policy and funding.

The strategy empowers ‘Gram Panchayats’ to integrate climate action into their development plans, access dedicated funds, and build local capacity for sustainable transformation. District and block-level officials will be trained to apply a “climate lens” to their work, ensuring every decision—from irrigation to livelihoods—promotes resilience.

Collaboration remains a cornerstone of Haryana’s approach. The state is partnering with organisations like GIZ and NABARD to bring in technical expertise, innovation, and financial support to the grassroots. Haryana is also exploring global climate funds and leveraging CSR partnerships to further its climate mission.

“True resilience begins with empowered communities,” Sharan concluded. “By equipping local leaders, aligning policies, and fostering strategic partnerships, Haryana is charting a path where villages don’t just endure climate change—they thrive despite it.”