Guwahati: GRIHA Regional Conclave on ‘Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment’ held

Guwahati: As one of the most rapidly urbanizing states in India, Assam faces unique challenges in its infrastructure development, including climate sensitivity, resource management, and urban sprawl. The state, with its population of over 35 million, is witnessing increasing pressure on urban infrastructure and environmental resources. The Guwahati Metropolitan Region, home to over 1.1 million people, is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years. With over 70% of the country’s infrastructure yet to be built, the time to embark on transformative efforts is now, said a press release.

The GRIHA Council, in collaboration with the Assam Science Technology & Environment Council (ASTEC), Government of Assam, held the 5th GRIHA Regional Conclave on March 10, 2025, in Guwahati on the theme ‘Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment’ in Guwahati.

The event was graced by the presence of Keshab Mahanta, Minister, Departments of Health & Family Welfare and Science and Technology, Information & Technology, Government of Assam. The minister highlighted the recently concluded Advantage Assam 2.0—Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025” —the Investors’ Summit 2025, where notable collaborations were formed with national and international investors. This has helped forge Assam’s growing potential in sectors such as clean energy, green technologies, and low-carbon infrastructure development.

The technical sessions shared enriching insights on the role of policy and legislative implementation in promoting sustainable practices, the critical need to enhance resilience in disaster-prone areas, and the integration of smart and sustainable infrastructure development strategies by government and industry experts from the region.

Dr. Jaideep Baruah, Director, Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), Department of Science, Technology & Climate Change, Government of Assam, quoted, “We stand at the forefront of a new era in sustainable development. Assam’s increasing engagement with global investors and focus on clean energy and green technologies reflect our commitment to building a future where growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. This platform will play a crucial role in fostering collaborations that pave the way for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.”

Sanjay Seth, Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, GRIHA Council & Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Programme, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), said, “Aligning with the vision of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047 and a ‘Net Zero’ emission nation by year 2070, it is imperative that the built environment plays a proactive role in accelerating climate action by embracing low-carbon development strategies. As we move forward into an era where climate challenges are becoming more pressing, we are committed to promoting sustainable building practices that not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance the resilience of infrastructure from future climate impacts. The GRIHA Regional Conclave serves as a platform to engage stakeholders, exchange innovative solutions, and drive the adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices in construction, ensuring a sustainable future for all.”

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