Climate A Sunrise Sector. Gujarat Sets Up Fund To Boost Green Tech

Recently, the state's Finance Department approved an initial funding of Rs 25 crore for this purpose. This fund aims to tackle climate change-related challenges effectively.

Cabinet Minister for the Climate Change Department, Mulubhai Bera, stated that Gujarat is placing strong emphasis on green energy. 

He explained that the proposal to create a dedicated financial mechanism to address climate change challenges was included in the state's budget for the current fiscal year, and the implementation process has now begun. This marks the first time such a fund is being created in the state.

A senior official from the Climate Change Department stated that CCFG's objective is to promote investment in sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, support research and development in clean and renewable energy technologies, and facilitate capacity building as well as community-based climate adaptation projects. 

The department has already initiated work under this new scheme, and results are expected to emerge soon. The official added that the fund will also help boost public-private partnerships in environmental innovation and support carbon neutrality. 

A major goal of the fund is to reduce carbon footprints. The fund will align with national and international climate commitments and will act as a key enabler for Gujarat’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

Early Moves Towards Tackling CC

With the longest and most climate-sensitive coastline in India, Gujarat became the first state to set up a full-fledged climate change department. This visionary move was initiated in 2009 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 

Since then, the department has been allocated a separate budget every year, acting as a vital bridge between the government and society in addressing climate change. 

Gujarat stands as the first in Asia and fourth in the world to create a standalone climate change department. The Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) operates under the Climate Change Department and provides guidance and advisory support on climate-related research and project development.

World's First CC University

Gujarat Minister of State for Climate Change, Mukesh Patel, recently announced at a business conclave in Surat that the world’s first climate change university will be established in the state. 

The institute will play a key role in achieving Net Zero targets and advancing green energy, making Gujarat a hub for global research and technological innovation in the climate sector.

Nine Focus Areas In State Action Plan

Gujarat has also developed a State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) with support from IIT Gandhinagar and IIM Ahmedabad. 

The plan covers nine critical areas, namely agriculture, water, health, forests & biodiversity, sea-level rise & coastal infrastructure, energy efficiency & renewable energy, urban development, vulnerable communities, and green jobs.

To further support renewable energy adoption, the state has launched a scheme to install rooftop solar systems on all government offices this year. 

This series of strategic steps reflects Gujarat’s commitment to climate action and sets a benchmark for other states and nations in proactive climate governance and green innovation.