Environment and Climate
Change Department

Accelerating Climate Action in Maharashtra 2.0

Maharashtra contributes to a significant proportion of India’s GDP, is one of the most industrialized states, and is also home to the country’s financial capital. 45.2% of the state’s population resides in urban areas, making it the third most urbanized state in India. The state has 29 municipal corporations, 15 A-category municipal councils, and five regional development authorities. However, it is also among the most climate-vulnerable states in the country, as per the state’s SAPCC. Extreme climate events, coupled with day-to-day urban issues from increasing traffic and vehicular pollution and inadequate housing, water supply, solid waste management, and walking infrastructure, exacerbate the experience of climate change. In response, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra (GoM), in collaboration with WRI India, launched a first-of-its-kind City Climate Action Accelerator Program. This has been part of GoM’s Climate Forward Maharashtra initiative, with the goal of advancing low-carbon, inclusive, and climate resilient growth across 44 cities.