06-08-2025
IIM Raipur rural conference sparks push for village-led green growth in Chhattisgarh
IIM Raipur, in partnership with the Tribal Research Institute and Chhattisgarh's Forest and Green Governance departments, held the 5th India Rural Colloquy focused on rural-led green development. The event, themed 'Harit Arthvyavastha: Villages Leading Chhattisgarh's Green Economic Transition', brought together policymakers, students, local leaders, and idea was clear: villages must play a bigger role in India's shift to a green Sanjeev Parashar, Director-in-Charge at IIM Raipur, said the aim is to connect research with ground realities. 'Over 60% of India's population lives in rural areas. Development has to include them,' he opening session, titled 'Locality Compact for Green Economy Transition', included voices from female sarpanches, farmers, and rural entrepreneurs. They raised concerns about water shortages, harmful use of fertilisers, and the loss of traditional farming Secretary of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Niharika Barik, said the focus is now on local solutions. 'People in the villages are not just beneficiaries, they are implementers. The government must support, not control,' she Singh, another senior official from the department, highlighted the importance of women-led development and local management of water, soil, and forest Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of Good Governance and Convergence, said the green economy must be treated as a survival issue. 'It's not optional. Clean air, water, and soil are the basics. We must act locally to make it happen,' he discussions explored topics like value addition in farming, digital tools for rural use, and reviving indigenous knowledge. Farmers, youth leaders, and experts spoke on the need for better awareness and practical training in sustainable Chief Minister Vijay Sharma closed the event by urging institutions to take these discussions forward. 'This is not just a conference. We need action in the field. Villages must lead the change,' he event made it clear that if India wants to build a green economy, it must start with its villages.- Ends
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