Catalysing the network in Madhya Pradesh, Indore Roundtable

Climate Parliament’s first roundtable in Madhya Pradesh was held in Indore on February 22, 2025. Hosted in the presence of Hon. MP Shri Shankar Lalwani and eight state legislators Hon Ms. Riti Pathak; Dr Hiralal Alawa; Shri Dinesh Jain; Shri Rajkumar Mev; Shri Yogesh Pandagre; Shri Gaurav Pardhi; Shri Aashish Sharma, and Shri Kalu Singh Thakur.  India’s commitment to net-zero by 2070 requires deep regional participation. Legislators discussed the need to align with national schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM e-DRIVE, and energy-efficiency mandates.  

At the Roundtable, lawmakers explored how government policies can help expand green infrastructure, boost the use of renewable energy, and support electric vehicles in both cities and villages. 

The discussion also focused on how climate action can go hand-in-hand with economic development. Participants highlighted the urgent need to protect rivers and forests and to better prepare for extreme weather events. Water conservation was a key issue, with suggestions like controlling borewell drilling, encouraging rainwater harvesting, and building small dams. 

Legislators proposed linking climate efforts with eco-tourism and green jobs to support both nature and livelihoods. They also emphasised promoting traditional, low-energy cooling methods for example, clay water coolers as eco-friendly alternatives to air conditioners. 

The session marked a key moment in building grassroots legislative momentum for climate action. 

Key Insights included: 

• There is a need for constituency-driven change. Legislators emphasised their role as local change agents, capable of linking community priorities with climate policy. 

• The idea of creating integrated climate innovation hubs or Green Zones combining clean energy, green buildings, and sustainable industry—was strongly endorsed. 

• Legislators called for policy integration, aligning climate priorities into state development agendas and improving access to resources for on-ground implementation. 

Legislators committed to regular engagement, field visits, and the development of region-specific climate roadmaps. 

Arun Kumar Kaushik

Parliamentary Coordinator