We are introducing a special ‘Panchayat’ session at Mumbai Climate Week 2026, a panel inspired by the traditional village council that celebrates collective dialogue and local leadership in climate action. This session builds on the Conference of Panchayats (COP) initiative by Asar and PDAG.

This one-hour session will feature Panchayat leaders from six states, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, who will share their experiences of advancing climate resilience at the grassroots. Through storytelling and discussion, the session will highlight why effective climate action must centre Panchayats, recognising their critical role in planning, implementing, and scaling climate solutions. The conversation aligns with MCW’s people-centric, solutions-oriented approach to transformative change.

Featured case highlights

• Bela Gram Panchayat, Bhandara, Maharashtra: Pathway to becoming a Net-Zero Panchayat and recipient of the Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar.
• Jal Vayu Samarth Panchayats, Jamui, Bihar: Community-led adaptation and resilience initiatives.
• Panchayat President, Thrissur, Kerala: Solar and BESS-based energy transition in Perinjanam.
• Mukhiya, Govindpur B, Jharkhand: Leveraging District Mineral Foundation Trust resources for local climate and sustainability initiatives.
• Panchayat Leader, Kolar, Karnataka: Integrating sustainable agriculture into Panchayat planning.
• Sarpanch, Koraput, Odisha: Gender-inclusive approaches to local climate solutions.

The session aims to bring grassroots climate leadership into the national spotlight and foster a deeper appreciation of Panchayats as anchors of just and inclusive climate action.

Registrations

Registrations for this session are now full, reflecting the exceptionally high level of interest in this dialogue. If you would still like to attend, you may write to us at kishor@asar.co.in to express your interest. In the event of any cancellations or dropouts, we will be able to accommodate additional participants on the basis of their RSVP.

About Mumbai Climate Week

Mumbai Climate Week (MCW), scheduled for February 17–19, 2026, marks India’s first platform dedicated to accelerating climate action and empowering Mumbai, India, and the Global South to advance transformative, citizen-driven solutions. This landmark initiative reimagines critical climate responses as interconnected, scalable innovations rooted in the complex socio-economic realities of the Global South.

MCW is committed to harnessing the dynamic energy of Mumbai and the wider Indian climate ecosystem to drive meaningful action at both local and Global South scales. By mobilising India’s vibrant network of climate-focused organisations and movements, it spotlights the country’s pioneering work in outcome-driven climate action while helping chart the path forward. Hosted in Mumbai, a growing beacon of climate leadership, the Week amplifies India’s voice as a key driver of climate action across the Global South.