PDAG in collaboration with Asar, helped bring the experiences of Gram Panchayats to Mumbai Climate Week through a special “Conference of Panchayats” session. The session showed how local governments across India are already responding to climate change through practical, community-led solutions.

Held at the Jio World Convention Centre, the discussion brought together elected representatives and community leaders from six states. Speakers shared examples related to renewable energy, water management, land restoration, sustainable agriculture, waste management and disaster preparedness.

PDAG Co-founder Arindam Banerjee helped frame the session around a simple idea: climate action must be informed by the people and institutions dealing with its effects every day. Jagadananda, Co-founder and Mentor at the Centre for Youth and Social Development, delivered the keynote address and highlighted the importance of climate-smart Panchayats.

The session presented Gram Panchayats as important planning institutions—not simply as agencies that implement government programmes. Panchayats can include climate risks in local development plans, water budgeting, housing, land use and livelihood decisions. The session’s central message was clear: India’s climate resilience will depend on everyday decisions made in its villages and local governments.