"The Mahatama Gandhi Institute of Climate Change Challenge in East Delhi will be engaged in evolving effective policies as well in creating and conducting research in the area," Chief secretary Rakesh Mehta said.

With climate change high on the agenda of every government, the Delhi government has taken an innovative step for better coordination and energy management in holistic manner, he said.

The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Management Centre of the Delhi government, presently carrying out research in non-fossil fuels, has also been placed under the Institute.

"The Institute, which was initially oriented towards integrated rural renewable energy, will now partner with leading institutions in creating awareness and conducting research in the area," Mehta said.

The Institute will educate citizens and create awareness on the need to reduce green house gas emissions responsible for global warming, its director S K Saxena said.

The Institute will also contribute in developing policies and in carrying out research to promote renewable energy on the lines of the National Action Plan for Climate Change, he added.