Mumbai, October 16, 2025

Press Information Bureau (PIB) Mumbai, in collaboration with UNICEF India, organised a media interaction on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, focusing on strengthening public awareness and communication on climate-resilient practices across Maharashtra. The session brought together media professionals, policy experts, and youth representatives to deliberate on water security, community-driven adaptation, and sustainable development models being implemented in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Director General (West Zone), PIB, Smita Vats Sharma, highlighted the everyday role of individuals in contributing to climate action. She stated, “Habits of the younger generation, such as small actions like switching off a fan, closing a tap, or avoiding single-use plastic, express their concern for the environment. I believe that through this workshop, we become more conscious about it.” She underlined the crucial role of the media in amplifying public understanding and influencing responsible citizen behaviour towards sustainable living.

Elaborating on climate variability in Maharashtra, WASH and Climate Specialist, UNICEF India, Yusuf Kabir, remarked, “Districts within Maharashtra are showing swapping climate trends. Parts of Marathwada district, which were once rain shadow areas, are today witnessing heavy rainfall. This highlights the importance of coordinated action by Central and State Governments, in partnership with grassroots organisations and other stakeholders.”

Director, PIB Mumbai, Sayyid Rabeehashmi, in his presentation, encouraged the use of traditional and sustainable items such as Hirachi Zaadu and Godhadi, products that reflect India’s enduring cultural heritage of sustainability.

Maharashtra has emerged as a frontrunner in climate-resilient development through an integrated approach to water conservation, renewable energy, and local participation. With over 90 percent of the state’s rural population dependent on groundwater, effective climate adaptation measures are essential.

Supporting India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), initiatives like Mission Amrit Sarovar have rejuvenated more than 68,000 water bodies nationwide, reinforcing the need for water conservation. Eco Clubs in schools continue to instill sustainable habits among students, ensuring that environmental mindfulness begins early.

Highlighting youth-driven action, participants discussed the Youth Engagement and Water Stewardship Program, which has mobilised over one million students across 13 districts through WASH audits, plastic-free drives, and campus climate labs, integrating circular economy principles into grassroots practice.

Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan, a flagship initiative of the Maharashtra government, has involved over 27,000 villages, 400 Urban Local Bodies, and 500 colleges in promoting clean energy, water conservation, and biodiversity. Mission Director, Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan, Sudhakar Bobade, noted, “Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan stands among the country’s most holistic environmental movements, embedding adaptation and mitigation into local governance structures.”

A key highlight of the interaction was the sharing of experiences by Shreya Shahe, Shreyas Shama, Deepali Mulage, and Swaraj Ghosalkar, all interns under the Majhi Vasundhara Abhiyan, Environment & Climate Change Department, Government of Maharashtra. They recounted their productive engagement with the government on diverse environmental initiatives, underscoring the significance of youth-led advocacy and practical involvement in climate action.

Director, State Climate Action Cell, Abhijit Ghorpade, emphasised the role of district and city-level climate cells in improving inter-agency coordination and evidence-based planning.

Founder and CEO of Project Mumbai, Shishir Joshi, called for “stronger south-south collaboration to position Maharashtra and India as global leaders in climate adaptation and mitigation.”

UNICEF’s WASH and Climate Specialist, Yusuf Kabir, further stated, “By empowering local institutions and engaging youth communities, we’re not only securing water today but building climate-smart communities for tomorrow.”

As Maharashtra advances towards sustainable development, participants reaffirmed the need for decentralised climate finance and recognition of localised, nature-based solutions to achieve lasting environmental resilience.

 

PIB Mumbai | Jaydevi PS / Yash Rané / Priti Malandkar

 

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