From Policy To Practice: Environmental Sustainability In Himachal’s Panchayati Raj Under SDG 13 (Climate Action)

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Vaishnavi Kapoor, B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

Nikunj Singh Yadav, Assistant Professor, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.

ABSTRACT

This study examines the operationalization of environmental sustainability through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Himachal Pradesh, contextualized within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). Set against the backdrop of Himachal’s ecological fragility and rising climate vulnerabilities—such as glacial retreat, floods, and landslides—the article explores the legal and policy mechanisms enabling PRIs to localize climate action. Utilizing constitutional mandates, national missions, and the State Action Plan on Climate Change, PRIs have implemented grassroots initiatives in afforestation, waste management, and renewable energy. Case studies highlight successes, such as afforestation in Kullu and solar adoption in Chamba, underscoring PRIs’ potential in community-driven environmental governance. However, systemic challenges—limited funding, technical capacity deficits, coordination gaps, and weak enforcement mechanisms—constrain efficacy and scalability. The study also emphasizes the critical role of traditional knowledge and participatory tools like Gram Sabhas and social audits in aligning local practices with global climate targets. By mapping PRI contributions to SDG 13’s sub-targets on resilience, policy integration, and awareness, the analysis identifies measurable outcomes and models for replication. It concludes by recommending structural reforms, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and formal integration of indigenous practices to bridge policy-practice gaps. Himachal Pradesh’s experience thus offers a replicable model of decentralized, culturally rooted governance to advance climate action in other ecologically sensitive regions.

Keywords: Climate Action, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Himachal Pradesh, Environmental Sustainability, SDG 13, Community Participation, Traditional Knowledge, Local Governance

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE- ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN HIMACHAL’S PANCHAYATI RAJ UNDER S.

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