The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is poised to establish an institute in Guwahati in collaboration with the Assam government, with the objective of safeguarding the natural resources of the eastern Himalayas. This biodiversity-rich region, nestled in the heart of Asia, holds immense significance in the global ecosystem. The initiative comes on the heels of TERI’s February announcement of a world-class institute dedicated to energy transitions in Hyderabad, in partnership with the Union Power Ministry. The establishment of a second institute in Guwahati reinforces TERI’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and fostering green jobs. The eastern Himalayas, with its majestic glaciers and snow-capped peaks, serve as the source of numerous major Asian rivers and hold vast potential for hydroelectric power generation. The institute in Guwahati will play a crucial role in realizing this potential. The institute’s mission encompasses several key objectives: creating green employment opportunities, enhancing agricultural productivity, stimulating electricity demand within the region, and contributing to India’s renewable energy goals. Vibha Dawan, director-general of TERI, emphasized the importance of sustainable growth in the region, stating, “The Northeast is blessed with a lot of biodiversity and tree cover. We are developing very fast, so it is important for us to ensure that that growth is sustainable, and we take care of our natural resources. There are a few initiatives that have already been taken but much more is required in the region in terms of creating awareness at all levels, right from the communities because they should be driven by job prospects, and it is not at the cost of losing or going for a bigger disaster.” The proposed Institute of Himalayan Studies will be a hub for research on various aspects related to the region’s ecosystem, including biodiversity conservation, increasing forest cover, mitigating climate change impacts, and conducting climate risk assessments. The institute will also offer formal degree programs and engage in grassroots awareness campaigns as well as management development programs (MDPs) for decision-makers. India has ambitious targets for its energy future, aiming to achieve 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity and a reduction of one billion tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030. The country also aspires to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen during this period, supported by 125 GW of renewable energy capacity. While TERI’s collaboration with the Assam government for the Guwahati institute is currently in the discussion stage, the organization is simultaneously advancing its partnership with the Power Ministry for the Institute for Energy Transition in Hyderabad. The upcoming agreement with the ministry will pave the way for the establishment of this institute on TERI’s Hyderabad campus. TERI’s simultaneous pursuit of these two institutes, focusing on energy transition and biodiversity, underscores the critical role of skilling and education in the burgeoning field of green jobs. The organization’s commitment to promoting sustainable development through research, education, and capacity building is a testament to its dedication to creating a greener future for India and the world.
TERI to Set Up Institute in Guwahati for Eastern Himalayas Conservation
