Parliament Question: Climate adaptation in educational infrastructure

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3102 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2026 Climate adaptation in educational infrastructure 3102. DR. M. THAMBIDURAI: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has examined recent initiatives like the "Cool Roof" programme in schools to combat rising classroom temperatures and climate impacts; (b) the details of central support or funds provided to States for climate adaptation in educational infrastructure; (c) the criteria for scaling such programmes nationally; and (d) the role of environmental education in school curriculums to build climate resilience? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (d): Heat Action Plans (HAP) have been developed for 23 States which are prone to high temperatures in order to reduce the impact of heat waves through measures such as early warning systems, preparedness, relief and emergency response. The issue of heat waves has been addressed through national guidelines and policy frameworks for preparedness and mitigation. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued National Guidelines for “Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heat Wave” providing a framework for implementation, coordination and evaluation of heatwave related activities in India. The HAPs are implemented as a decentralized, State-led mechanism and provide for broad framework of suggested interventions, leaving the choice of strategies to States and local authorities. Cool Roof program has been considered as one of the strategies for heatwave management by some States for reducing indoor temperatures and lowering cooling demand. Some State Governments have also undertaken initiatives relating to passive cooling measures in schools as an important response. The Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023 for implementing passive cooling solutions in the State, and cool roof and associated passive cooling activities in Green Schools are taken up as part of this initiative. The Telangana State Cool Roof Policy 2023–28 suggests adoption of cool roofs as a measure for implementation to build resilience against extreme heat, improve thermal comfort and move the State of Telangana towards reducing urban heat islands in its cities. The Central Government provides financial assistance to States for implementation of Environment Education programmes in schools to promote awareness on environment and climate change, environmental protection and sustainable practices among students. In the State of Tamil Nadu, atotal amount of ₹2.53 crore has been provided during the financial year 2025–2026 from the Central Government for implementation of Environment Education programmes in schools. The scaling of such programmes includes promotion of heat-resilient designs such as cool roofs and shaded public spaces, along with green buildings through improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning for healthcare facilities, schools, offices and residential and commercial buildings. Such initiatives are taken by the respective State Governments. Environmental Education has been an integral component of school education. The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF-SE), brought out by the NCERT as a follow-up of the National Education Policy, 2020, gives the required emphasis to developing knowledge, capacities, values, and dispositions that would develop both awareness and abilities to act responsibly in environmentally sustainable practices. NCERT, based on the perspective of the NCF-SE 2023, has brought out new textbooks from Grade 1 to 8 in all the subject areas as recommended by NCF-SE that address environmental concerns and integrate seven themes of Mission LiFE. Age-appropriate modules on “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” have been developed by NCERT. The modules detail the importance of sustainability, activities of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, the "how" of post-plantation care: precise watering, crucial protection from threats and proper nourishment. Further, the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) of MoEFCC aims to promote environmental awareness, education and information dissemination across the country. The programme facilitates the collection, collation and dissemination of environmental information and supports awareness generation on environmental protection, sustainable development and climate change. ****