Maharashtra Sets Up Centre Of Excellence To Combat Extreme Heat Across The State
Maharashtra launches Centre of Excellence in Nagpur to address extreme heat and develop sustainable cooling solutions.
In a significant climate resilience initiative, the Maharashtra government has launched the Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling (CoE-HRSC) at IIM Nagpur, aiming to address the growing threat of extreme heatwaves and their impact on public health, agriculture, and urban infrastructure across the state.
The centre was inaugurated virtually by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, with officials stating that it will eventually function as a permanent wing under the State Institute of Disaster Management (SIDM). The initiative comes amid increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in regions such as Vidarbha, where temperatures often exceed 45 degrees Celsius during peak summer months.
During the launch, the Chief Minister highlighted that climate change has disproportionately affected vulnerable sectors, particularly small and marginal farmers. He noted that rising temperatures, drought-like conditions, and extreme weather events are already disrupting education and daily life, with several instances of school and college closures reported in recent years across parts of the state.
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The newly established centre will focus on strengthening Heat Action Plans and Urban Climate Action frameworks, while also supporting high-risk districts and cities in implementing adaptive measures. It will develop training programmes for government officials, healthcare workers, and citizens, along with promoting eco-friendly construction practices and locally suitable cooling solutions to reduce dependence on energy-intensive air conditioning systems.
Officials said the CoE-HRSC is the result of a collaboration between IIM Nagpur and the US-based National Research Development Corporation (NRDC). Initially operating from the IIM Nagpur campus, the centre will later be shifted to the upcoming SIDM facility in MIHAN, Nagpur. The state government has already allocated ₹184 crore for the broader disaster management institute, which will host multiple specialised centres.
Experts involved in the project emphasized its global relevance, stating that institutional support is crucial to translating climate science and policy into practical solutions. With rising temperatures affecting labour productivity, water availability, and energy consumption, the centre aims to develop sustainable cooling technologies and urban design strategies that reduce environmental impact while improving resilience to extreme heat.
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