Northeast India, known for its ecological richness, diverse tribal cultures, and fragile terrain, is increasingly being identified as one of India’s most climate-vulnerable regions. Frequent floods, landslides, glacial melt, shifting monsoon patterns, and emerging drought-like conditions pose serious risks to lives and livelihoods. Yet, adaptation strategies in the region continue to be largely top-down, driven by state action plans or centrally sponsored schemes, with little engagement from or alignment with local governance structures.
A recent study conducted by the Institute of Social Sciences using secondary data from Gram Panchayats in three climate-sensitive districts—Dhemaji in Assam, Dhalai in Tripura, and Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh to understand the adaptation strategies at local levels. It was disappointing to find that despite facing intense climate stress, the Gram Panchayat Development Plans rarely integrate climate considerations. Road damages and crop losses are mentioned, but not in connection with resilience-building measures like raised roads, climate-resilient seeds, or early warning systems. Even in terrain-challenged Lohit, service delivery constraints are acknowledged, but without adaptive planning such as decentralized water or health systems.
The study applied two well-recognized frameworks: the IPCC’s vulnerability assessment model (which looks at Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive Capacity), and the SDG-linked thematic approach under the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). These nine themes—ranging from ‘Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods’ to ‘Women-Friendly Villages’—were assessed for climate responsiveness.
Findings revealed major gaps. Climate vulnerability is largely implicit and unaddressed. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) appears in district-level plans but is missing in Panchayat-level planning. Key sectors like health, infrastructure, education, and agriculture are not screened for climate risks. Moreover, data systems are weak. Panchayats often lack disaggregated data on gender, livelihoods, or hazard history, making planning reactive rather than preventive.
Importantly, adaptive capacity varies across themes. While some areas, such as livelihood and infrastructure, receive attention, they are treated more as funding opportunities than as platforms for climate resilience. Themes like ‘Women-Friendly’ and ‘Socially Just Villages’ remain underdeveloped, despite their centrality to inclusive adaptation.
So, what is missing? It is clear: the Gram Panchayat—India’s most local unit of governance—is not yet equipped or empowered to play its role in climate adaptation. Yet, it is precisely here that adaptation must begin. Panchayats are closest to the community, understand local vulnerabilities, and have the legitimacy to engage people in planning processes. However, current planning tools like GPDPs are not designed with climate in mind.
The way forward must include:
- Community Sensitization: Ordinary citizens should be informed about climate change and climate adaptations through special Gram Sabhas and through other methods
- Climate-screened GPDPs: Simple, theme-based templates that assess local climate risks and suggest responses.
- Integration of DRR: Every GPDP should include a disaster audit tied to health, education, water, and infrastructure.
- Strengthened data systems: Panchayats need local, disaggregated data to design better plans.
- Capacity building: PRI members must be trained in climate literacy, vulnerability mapping, and convergence budgeting.
- Coordination platforms: The three tiers of Panchayats, district authorities, and state climate cells must work together on adaptation targets.
- Community-Based Adaptation (CBA): Indigenous knowledge, seasonal calendars, and local coping mechanisms should be integrated into formal planning.
As India advances its climate goals under the NAPCC and State Action Plans, the role of Gram Panchayats must shift from implementers to active architects of resilience. The frontline of climate impact must become the frontline of climate planning
— by Manoj Rai & Sana Khan