The initiative is part of a wider plan to integrate the facility into the State Institute of Disaster Management.
India Heatwave Alert: Maharashtra Launches Cooling Centre to Tackle Rising Temperatures
In a push to address intensifying heat and climate risks, Maharashtra has launched a dedicated centre focused on heat resilience and sustainable cooling, signalling a broader policy shift as extreme temperatures strain public health and infrastructure.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the ‘Centre of Excellence for Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling’ at Indian Institute of Management Nagpur via video link, positioning it as a long-term institutional response to recurring heatwaves across the state.
Officials said the centre will work on strengthening Heat Action Plans, supporting climate strategies in vulnerable cities, and developing training modules for administrators, healthcare workers and local communities. It will also promote low-cost, energy-efficient cooling solutions to reduce dependence on power-intensive air conditioning.
Fadnavis noted that regions such as Vidarbha frequently record temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, impacting farm output, labour productivity and water availability, with small farmers among the worst affected.
The initiative is part of a wider plan to integrate the facility into the State Institute of Disaster Management, where multiple specialised centres will operate. The project is backed by a partnership with the Natural Resources Defense Council, which will provide technical expertise.
Maharashtra has also outlined clean energy goals, targeting 52 percent renewable capacity by 2030 and 65 percent by 2035, alongside plans to supply 16,000 MW of solar power to farmers.
