event-category: State Climate Action

A New Chapter in Our Work in Maharashtra

On July 3, 2025, Asar Social Impact Advisors signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Climate Action Cell, Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra.

This 3-year partnership builds on our shared commitment to strengthening climate action in the state. Together, we will:

➡️ Co-develop District Climate Action Plans for Beed and Raigad.

➡️ Deepen grassroots engagement through initiatives like the Conferences of Panchayats (CoPs).

➡️ Create accessible, multilingual Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on climate change in Marathi, Hindi, and English, tailored to regional contexts and sociocultural contexts.

➡️ Expand climate education by facilitating learning exchanges, training local administrators, and supporting a statewide network of climate educators.

We’re thankful for the leadership and continued support of Mr. Abhijit Ghorpade, Director, State Climate Action Cell. This collaboration reflects what we believe in deeply—climate action that is co-created, inclusive, and grounded in local realities.

On March 8, marking International Women’s Day, Asar and Poovulagin Nanbargal hosted a talk on the economic impact of climate change on women by noted economist Ms. Jayati Ghosh. She emphasized the need for governments to recognize how climate change disproportionately affects women.

National award-winning director Vetri Maaran inaugurated a powerful photo exhibition curated by Thiyagu and Vignesh, documenting the struggles of women in Ennore, where environmental hazards like oil spills and ammonia leaks have impacted livelihoods.

The event, introduced by Priya and coordinated by Kavitha Muralidharan and Jenny, drew over 300 participants, including students from 17 colleges, and received wide media coverage from outlets such as The Hindu, New Indian Express, Nakheeran, and IBC Tamil.

Asar organised the second state-level meeting as part of its co-creation conclave series on Just Transition across Jharkhand in Ranchi on 1st October 2024. 30 participants from 23 civil society and community-based organizations across the state came together to ideate on actionable steps for the thematic areas that were identified during the first conclave held in May.

What stood out the most wasn’t just the discussions but the ownership that emerged. Organisations volunteered to lead and host the next three meetings—showing that this isn’t just a conversation but an initiative that’s gaining momentum! 

We’re now in the process of refining all the incredible ideas into a strategic roadmap for the next few months. The collective commitment was monthly virtual meet-ups and quarterly physical gatherings to ensure we keep pushing the agenda forward.

Highlights of the Day:

1. The spirit of collaboration shown through multiple organisations stepping up to take leadership roles.

2. Hearing participants reference our work with Conference of Panchayats as a model for driving systemic, long-term change was truly inspiring!

3. Establishing clear timelines and collaborative working groups will foster accountability and ensure that the momentum from the conclave leads to tangible, on-ground results.

This journey is just the beginning, and with such a dynamic and committed group, we’re inspired to work towards making a lasting impact together.