Scientific, decentralised approach vital to build climate-resilient villages: MDU VC Prof. Milap Punia
Emphasising the growing vulnerability of rural communities amid changing climate patterns, Prof. Milap Punia, Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, underscored the need for a scientific and decentralised strategy to build resilient villages.
Girish Saini
May 4, 2026 09:15
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Rohtak, May 4, 2026: Emphasising the growing vulnerability of rural communities amid changing climate patterns, Prof. Milap Punia, Vice-Chancellor of Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, underscored the need for a scientific and decentralised strategy to build resilient villages.
Addressing the valedictory session of an international training programme on “Building Resilient Rural Communities in a Changing Climate” in Hyderabad, Prof. Punia said rural India was increasingly facing the brunt of extreme weather conditions. Notably the programme was jointly organised by National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, and Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh).
Prof. Milap Punia pointed out that heatwaves, increased pre-monsoon rainfall, erratic rains and hailstorms were directly impacting rural livelihoods. These disruptions are altering crop cycles, affecting agricultural productivity and reducing farmers’ incomes, he said, adding that losses in non-farm rural activities also needed systematic assessment.
He stressed the urgency of evaluating rural vulnerabilities, climate exposure and adaptive capacities, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Ganga and Mekong basins. Strengthening local communities, he noted, was key to long-term resilience.
Calling for a comprehensive response, the MDU Vice-Chancellor advocated a strategic framework based on fine-grained data, coordinated institutional mechanisms and participatory, decentralised governance. Promoting scientific temper and fostering innovation at the grassroots level would be critical to effectively tackle the challenges posed by climate change, he added.
