Maharashtra’s Climate Context

The State of Maharashtra, with its large population, socio-economic and cultural diversity, long coastline, different agro-climatic zones, and an objective of realizing a trillion-dollar economy, is acutely vulnerable to climate change. The state faces threats such as rising temperatures, heatwaves, recurrent droughts, heavy precipitation, floods, hailstorms, lightning, sea level rise, and cyclones. It is therefore crucial that the overall development strategy of the state incorporates climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. To combat climate change and ensure sustainable development, the Government of Maharashtra is actively undertaking various initiatives.

National Climate Action (2008)

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was published on 30th June 2008 by the then-Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change. The plan was developed to create awareness among the public, government agencies, scientists, industry, and the community at large about the threats posed by climate change and the action plans required at national, regional, and local levels to address these challenges. There are 8 national missions forming the core of the NAPCC which represent multi-pronged, long term and integrated strategies for achieving key goals in climate change - National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, National Mission on Sustainable Habitat, National Water Mission, National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, National Mission for A Green India, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change.

Maharashtra State Adaptation Action Plan on Climate Change (MSAAPC)(2014)

Based on the NAPCC and as per directions received from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, the Environment and Climate Change Department, with the support of The Energy Resources Institute (TERI), formulated the Maharashtra State Adaptation Action Plan on Climate Change (MSAAPC) in 2014. The MSAAPC focused on eight key sectors: agriculture, water, health, forests, rural development, urban development, disaster management, and energy. This action plan however did not include climate change mitigation strategies.

State Policy on Climate Change (2017)

The State Policy on Climate Change was formulated vide GR dated 25th October 2017, which included 14 priority actions selected from more than 50 recommended actions in the MSAAPC.

Environment and Climate Change Department (2020)

Considering the increasing seriousness of global climate change and its impacts on the state, the Environment Department of the Government of Maharashtra was renamed the Environment and Climate Change Department. Alongside implementing various environmental laws, the department now executes climate change mitigation and adaptation policies, protects and conserves natural water resources, maintains biodiversity and environmental balance, and implements measures to achieve sustainable development goals.

State Climate Action Cell (SCAC) (2023)

The State Climate Action Cell (SCAC) was established by the Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra, vide GR dtd. 9th August 2023. It serves as the nodal agency to channelize the state’s climate initiatives and implement the SAPCC, NAPCC, and Mission LiFE in the state. The SCAC coordinates with the central government, concerned state government departments, local self-governments, civil society organizations, experts, and research institutions.

Revised State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) (2025)

The revised State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) has been prepared following directions and revised framework received from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The revised SAPCC has been approved by the National Steering Committee on Climate Change and was officially released on World Environment Day 2025. It aims to honour India’s international commitments in terms of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.

These Key components include:

1. Analysis of climate trends between 1970 and 2020, with projections for 2020–2050.
2. Regional, district, and sub-district level analysis of climate threats, including temperature rise, irregular precipitation, sea level rise, droughts, floods, and cyclones.
3. Adaptation strategies for key sectors such as agriculture, forests, water conservation, public health, tourism, and tribal development.
4. Mitigation strategies for sectors such as energy, transport, and industries.
5. Integrated Cooling Strategy based on the National Cooling Action Plan, 2019.
6. Emphasis on decentralized renewable energy-based livelihoods, including increased use of solar-powered equipment such as solar pumps, solar dryers, and milk chillers.
7. Climate finance.