India signed Paris Agreement at COP 21 and committed to reduce emission intensity of gross domestic product (GDP) by 33 percent to 35 percent by 2030. It has also pledged to increase the share of non-fossil fuels-based electricity generation, increase its forest cover along with several other measures. While such transition is much needed towards sustainable forms of energy, there is a growing concern related to labour displacement in the existing coal value chain.

Jharkhand has a huge role to play in helping India meet its commitments because of its large-scale dependence on coal mining. Besides that, there are a large number of coal-based power plants which are a major source of carbon emission. Increasing consumption of coal to generate power is facing major challenges with respect to cost competitiveness and the commitment made by the country to be a Net Zero Carbon neutral country by 2070.

Policy & Development Advisory Group (PDAG) in partnership with ASAR, conducted a Conference of Panchayats (COP) on Climate change and Just Transitions. The two-day conference (14th and 15th March 2022) was organised, allocating full day sessions for local elected representatives (Mukhiya and Pramukh), NGOs/CSOs from North Chotanagpur (Bokaro, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh) and South Chotanag- pur (Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega) divisions. The sessions were moderated by Sumit Kumar, Senior Consultant at PDAG and Munna Jha, Network and Media Strategist at ASAR. The two-day conference was attended by the key stakeholders from the districts of the North and South Chotanagpur divisions.

The conference aimed to foster a discussion around climate change mitigation strategies at the grassroots level and key issues and challenges to ensure Just Transitions in the regions impacted by coal mining in Jharkhand.