Itanagar– In a landmark declaration today, Chief Minister Pema Khandu heralded Arunachal Pradesh as the nation’s premier carbon sink, a critical development bolstering India’s ambitious climate mitigation efforts. The announcement, shared under the ongoing ‘PEMA 3.0 – Year of Reforms and Growth’ initiative, underscores the Himalayan state’s pivotal contribution to the country’s journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Chief Minister Khandu highlighted Arunachal’s unparalleled ecological significance, revealing that the state accounts for a remarkable 14.38% of India’s total carbon sequestration. Furthermore, it boasts the highest carbon stock in the country, holding an astounding 1,021 million tonnes. With a staggering 79% of its total geographical area enveloped in lush forest cover, Arunachal Pradesh truly serves as a vital green shield for the entire nation.
Taking to social media, Khandu emphasised, “This rich carbon stock is critical for India to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2070.” Affectionately dubbing the state “the lungs of the Himalayas,” he reiterated its silent yet indispensable role in the global battle against the escalating climate crisis.
Despite its immense environmental contributions, Khandu acknowledged that Arunachal Pradesh is not immune to the palpable effects of climate change. He issued a compelling call for concerted efforts to curtail greenhouse gas emissions, stating, “The impacts are visible and increasingly real.” The Chief Minister urged both governmental policy and public commitment to embrace sustainable development practices.
Arunachal’s diverse forest ecosystems, stretching from the dense tropical rainforests to the majestic alpine woodlands, function as a massive natural sponge, effectively absorbing colossal quantities of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This natural phenomenon plays a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas concentrations and bolstering climate resilience across the region. The Chief Minister’s statements resonate deeply with both national and international climate action priorities, spotlighting the paramount importance of safeguarding India’s precious northeastern biodiversity frontier.
This significant disclosure forms an integral part of the ‘PEMA 3.0’ initiative, designed to showcase key governance reforms with a strong emphasis on sustainability, inclusive growth, and responsible environmental stewardship.
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