Assam launches State Cooling Action Plan to advance sustainable and climate friendly cooling

Assam on Wednesday marked World Ozone Day 2026 with the state-level celebration held at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati, where Environment, Forest & Climate Change Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah launched the Assam Cooling Action Plan (ACAP) under the theme “Global Action for a Cooler Planet”.
The ACAP makes Assam one of the first States in India to develop an integrated state-level cooling action plan covering four priority sectors like Buildings, Cold Chain, Industry and Transport.
Prepared by the Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS) with technical collaboration from WRI India, the Plan translates the objectives of the India Cooling Action Plan into a state-specific framework, focusing on energy efficiency, responsible refrigerant management, climate-friendly cooling technologies and coordinated implementation across relevant departments.
Speaking at the event, Minister Baruah emphasised the need to address Assam’s growing cooling requirements while ensuring that development remains aligned with environmental protection.
He said the launch of the ACAP marks an important step towards preparing the State for its future cooling needs, while the key priority now is effective implementation through coordinated action across departments and sectors.
According to the Action Plan, Assam’s cooling-related electricity demand is projected to more than double by 2040, increasing from 3,576 GWh to 8,445 GWh.
The plan seeks to address this projected increase through energy-efficient cooling systems, improved refrigerant management and sustainable, climate-friendly approaches.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of nature-based cooling solutions, particularly through increasing green cover and protecting existing natural ecosystems.
He said afforestation and environmental conservation must complement technological solutions in addressing rising temperatures and creating more liveable surroundings for future generations.
The event was attended by Mahendra Kumar Yadava, Special Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department; Sandeep Kumar, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Assam; Dr Om Prakash, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department; Dr Vinay Gupta, IFS, PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, Assam; Dr Satyendra Singh, IFS, CEO, ACCMS; and Shri Bharath Jairaj, Executive Program Director, Energy, WRI India, among other senior government officials, departmental representatives, industry members, academicians, students and environmental stakeholders.