Assam recently introduced the Assam Cooling Action Plan (ACAP) during an event commemorating World Ozone Day 2026. The celebration took place at the Assam Administrative Staff College in Khanapara, Guwahati, where Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Jayanta Mallabaruah, unveiled the initiative. This plan positions Assam as a pioneer among Indian states in establishing a comprehensive cooling action strategy aimed at enhancing sustainability and addressing climate impact.

Key Features of the ACAP

The ACAP is structured around four main sectors: Buildings, Cold Chain, Industry, and Transport. Developed by the Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS), the plan was created in collaboration with WRI India. It translates the broader objectives outlined in the India Cooling Action Plan into a context-specific framework for Assam, with a significant focus on energy efficiency, effective refrigerant management, and the adoption of eco-friendly cooling technologies.

During the launch, Minister Mallabaruah highlighted the urgency of meeting Assam’s increasing cooling demands while simultaneously prioritising environmental sustainability. He indicated that the ACAP represents a critical step towards equipping the state for future cooling requirements and stressed the importance of a coordinated approach among different sectors for successful implementation.

Forecasts in the plan indicate that Assam’s cooling-related electricity demand is expected to rise from 3,576 GWh to 8,445 GWh by 2040. The ACAP aims to address this surge through the implementation of energy-efficient systems and sustainable cooling strategies.

Integration of Nature-Based Solutions

The Minister further underscored the need for integrating nature-based solutions into the overall cooling strategy, particularly through enhancing green spaces and protecting existing natural ecosystems. He stated that afforestation and environmental preservation efforts should complement technological advancements to manage rising temperatures and create better living conditions for upcoming generations.

Highlighting the importance of local engagement, Minister Mallabaruah pointed to the State’s significant Amrit Brikshya Andolan (Tree Plantation Movement) and Brikshya Bandhu initiatives. These initiatives involve students, self-help groups, and civil society organisations in extensive tree planting and care projects, fostering a sense of community ownership in ecological sustainability.

In his address, he asserted that climate action must extend beyond the confines of government and involve greater public engagement. There is a pressing necessity to motivate younger generations and citizens to embrace energy-efficient practices in their daily lives.

Global Collaboration for Environmental Challenges

The event also commemorated the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol and celebrated a decade since the Kigali Amendment. These milestones underscore the significance of global cooperation in tackling environmental issues, as noted by the Minister. He remarked that the worldwide response to ozone depletion serves as an example of how coordinated efforts can lead to substantial environmental benefits.

Attending the event were senior officials including Mahendra Kumar Yadava, Special Chief Secretary of the Environment Department; Sandeep Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; and various representatives from academic institutions, government departments, and environmental organisations. Presentations by Dr Rizwan Uz Zaman and Shri Deepak Tiwari elaborated on the specifics of the Assam Cooling Action Plan and its anticipated sectoral impact.

This initiative reflects a commitment to addressing climate change challenges while fostering a sustainable future through collaborative action and community involvement.

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