Hyderabad, May 21, 2026: Nagaland University was represented by Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, at a two-day national validation workshop on “Training Module for Climate Resilient and Carbon Neutral Planning for Gram Panchayats” held at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad, from May 18 to 19.
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| Participants and experts pose for a group photograph during the two-day validation workshop on Climate Resilient and Carbon Neutral Planning for Gram Panchayats held at NIRDPR, Hyderabad. Prof. Jayanta Choudhury of Nagaland University represented the university as an expert at the national workshop. |
The workshop was organised by the School of Excellence in Panchayati Raj (SoEPR), NIRDPR, with the objective of reviewing, strengthening and validating a comprehensive training module aimed at helping Gram Panchayats across India adopt climate-resilient and carbon-neutral development practices.
Prof. Choudhury participated in the workshop as an expert representative from Nagaland University alongside specialists, researchers and policymakers from different institutions. The experts examined and reviewed thematic modules focusing on environmental understanding, climate change, carbon neutrality, climate resilience and sustainable rural governance.
Discussions during the workshop also covered practical strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the Gram Panchayat level, climate risks and vulnerabilities, adaptation strategies, community participation in climate action, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks for climate-resilient practices. The sessions additionally included participatory exercises, preparation of climate action plans, case studies and discussions on government schemes relevant to local self-governance institutions.
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The training module has been commissioned by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India, and is expected to be implemented nationwide following its final adoption. According to participants, the module is intended to strengthen the capacity of Gram Panchayats to integrate climate action into local planning and governance processes.
Experts at the workshop emphasized that empowering rural local bodies with climate-responsive planning tools would contribute significantly toward building resilient communities, achieving sustainable development goals and supporting India’s long-term climate commitments.
The workshop concluded with thematic consolidation of recommendations and discussions on a future roadmap for collaborative action in promoting climate-resilient rural governance across the country.
