Building political momentum for India’s energy transition in Madhya Pradesh

Climate Parliament’s visit to the state Madhya Pradesh marked an important milestone in advancing the Empowering Parliamentarians to Accelerate India’s Energy Transition (EPET) project. Over two days, 16–17 June 2025 our team engaged with key political and administrative leaders to build momentum behind the state’s transition to renewable energy.

We began with a high-level meeting with the Manu Srivastava, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy and New & Renewable Energy Department (NRED). He welcomed the EPET initiative and pledged full departmental support. He also facilitated a meeting with the Hon Minister of State, Rakesh Shukla from NRED, who expressed enthusiasm about the project and showed keen interest in joining the broader Climate Parliament initiative. 

The EPET project received strong endorsements from both administrative and political leadership in Madhya Pradesh. Key commitments were made for departmental cooperation, and there was clear interest in integrating the state’s efforts with national and global climate parliamentary networks. This spirit of collaboration extended across the city as we met the Mayor of Bhopal, Ms Malti Rai, and had a productive discussion on the EPET project. She assured us of her support and expressed willingness for developing the mobile electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Further conversations with our State Convener, Ms Riti Pathak provided strategic clarity and guidance. Her encouragement and insight reflected a deep understanding of both the political and practical pathways to making EPET a success in Madhya Pradesh.

The visit also brought us to the State Assembly, where we were joined by Mr Gaurav Pardhi, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Katangi, and the Principal Secretary, Mr. A.P. Singh. Their input helped strengthen the connection between legislative processes and on-the-ground implementation.

To conclude the day, we met Mr. Lokendra Thakkar, Chief Scientific Officer of Environmental Planning & Coordination Organisation, who provided valuable suggestions and geographical and climatological guidance for Bhopal in relation to our project.

The visit resulted in strong institutional and political support for the EPET project from city, state, and environmental stakeholders. Key guidance on project implementation and geographic suitability was received, along with encouragement to proceed with mobile EV charging infrastructure planning in Bhopal.

 Nikhil Kumar Chouhan Abinav Gupta 

Associate State Team Member Communications and Events Manager