Vulnerability Assessment Study of Madhya Pradesh towards Climate Change

A study on Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of Madhya Pradesh, a first of its kind in India, towards Climate Change was carried out under GIZ's project Climate Change Adaptation in Rural Areas of India.

In an event organized on 14th March 2014 at Bhopal, the report was officially presented to the Executive Director of Environmental Planning and Coordination Organisation, the state partner for the implementing project in the state. The study was also shared with officials of various departments present at the occasion which was followed by discussions and deliberations.

Assessing vulnerabilities from the perspective of climate change helps in identifying threats from potential hazards to the population, infrastructure, development goals etc. Identifying impending disasters helps in scientifically preparing any system, by better planning, adapting and adopting measures to minimize losses. Vulnerability assessment was also a key component of the framework suggested by Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests for drafting State Action Plans on Climate Change.

Under the study, Composite Vulnerability Index was generated for the State considering climate, socio-economic, forest, agriculture, water resources and human health. The study has its own limitations and barriers pertaining to methodology, data availability, climate models and projections. However, it is a path breaking study which is open for feedback.