Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday inaugurated the ‘Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling’ at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, stating that the facility will play a key role in developing mitigation and adaptation strategies to address heatwaves, PTI reported.
While virtually unveiling the centre from the Sahyadri Guest House, he said the initial focus will be on reviewing existing heat action and urban climate action plans and providing technical support for their implementation in select cities and districts.
Rising heatwaves prompt urgent action
Fadnavis noted that recent heatwave conditions, particularly in Vidarbha, have become severe enough to force the closure of schools and colleges.
“Climate change is intensifying challenges such as drought, hailstorms and rising temperatures. The newly established centre will play a crucial role in devising mitigation and adaptation strategies,” he said, the news agency reported.
Training and capacity building for heat preparedness
The centre will also design structured training modules for government officials, healthcare workers and urban communities to improve preparedness and response to heat-related risks, the chief minister added.
Maharashtra’s renewable energy targets
Highlighting the state’s energy roadmap, Fadnavis said Maharashtra aims to generate 52 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 65 per cent by 2035.
He also said efforts are underway to supply 16,000 MW of solar power to the agricultural sector.
Push for sustainable cooling solutions
With rising temperatures increasing dependence on air conditioning, Fadnavis stressed the need for sustainable cooling solutions to reduce environmental impact.
He also emphasised eco-friendly construction practices and lifestyle changes as part of the state’s heat action strategy.
Collaboration with NRDC
The centre has been established in collaboration with the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC).
According to PTI, NRDC president Manish Bapna said the initiative is significant amid rising global temperatures and will contribute at both national and global levels in clean energy and sustainable cooling research.
Integration with disaster management institute
According to officials, the Maharashtra government has approved Rs 184 crore for setting up the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM) at MIHAN in Nagpur, modelled on the National Institute of Disaster Management.
The Centre of Excellence will later be integrated into SIDM, which is planned to house eight specialised centres.
Focus on research and climate-responsive planning
The facility will focus on research, capacity building, and policy support. It will also assist urban local bodies in climate-responsive planning, promote energy efficiency, and encourage adoption of affordable and sustainable cooling technologies.
(With PTI inputs)
