MBMC launches 'Climate Action Plan' to achieve net-zero emissions by 2047

The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation MBMC and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat AKAH jointly launched a Climate Action Plan to achieve netzero emissions by 2047 the officials said on WednesdayThe plan targets a 36 per cent reduction in emissions through the adoption of renewable energy sources energyefficient measures for buildings and improved waste management practicesIt has also been planned to do 23 per cent reduction by the Central Electricity Authority for India and 41 per cent carbon sinks through existing and expanding green coverAccording to a press statement the greenhouse gas GHG assessment highlighted that 62 per cent of emissions come from stationary energy 22 per cent from transportation and 16 per cent from the waste sectorMira Bhayandar one of the important city in Mumbai Metropolitan Region MMR has witnessed significant urban growth due to its comparatively lower cost of living Between 2005 and 2022 the cityrsquos builtup area increased by 5005per cent while vegetation cover declined to 136 per cent the press statement mentioned adding that this urban expansion has led to a 046degC rise in annual temperatures alongside challenges such as urban flooding and pressure on essential services like waste management transportation and water supplyThe Mira Bhayandar Climate Action Plan MBCAP was unveiled on January 29 2025 The plan aligns with Maharashtrarsquos netzero targets and the National Action Plan on Climate Change MBCAP outlines actionable strategies and recommendations to mitigate emissionsThe event featured a keynote address by Praveen Pardeshi IAS Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation MITRA Bipin Srimali IAS Managing Director of MAHAPREIT Government of Maharashtra presented insights on greening cities for decarbonization The workshop convened a distinguished group of CSR leaders think tanks and climate experts including representatives from the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell C40 Cities and the United Nations Human Settlements ProgramResidential electricity use is a significant contributor responsible for 405per cent of emissions AKAH has implemented energyefficient measures achieving over a 60per cent reduction in emissions The pilot at Nav Yuvan Housing Society in Mira Bhayandar serves as a scalable model to reduce emissions in the building sector through rooftop Solar PV Systems BLDC fans LED lighting and water conservation fixtures This project is in the final stages of obtaining IFC EDGE Advanced Certification marking it as the first existing housing society globally to achieve this recognition Further AKAH is retrofitting three schools in Mira Bhayandar that target a minimum 20per cent improvement in energy and water efficiency states the press statementldquoMira Bhayandar is committed to becoming a model city for sustainability and innovation Through initiatives like the City Climate Action Plan and Home20 we aim to reduce emissions improve mobility and foster resilience for a greener safer future says Sanjay Shripatrao Katkar IAS Commissioner and Administrator MBMCBesides energy efficiency AKAH has piloted implementation of cooling solutions such as SRI paints alufoil wood wool and ventilation core in informal settlements to reduce heat stress The MBCAP addresses key areas such as green building practices flooding and water management urban greening mobility air quality and waste management AKAH has gathered extensive primary and secondary data conducted citywide sectorspecific analysis and presented opportunities to build resilient and sustainable urban environmentsldquoMira Bhayandar is leading the charge toward a sustainable and resilient future and itrsquos a critical model for other cities to follow While Mumbai despite having one of the highest green cover ratios among global cities struggles with severe air pollution due to rising vehicle emissions itrsquos clear that shifting citizensrsquo mindsets towards sustainable transport is crucial Through strategic longterm initiatives like these we are committed to fostering balanced urban growth while addressing the environmental and social challenges of urbanisationrdquosays Praveen Pardeshi IAS Chief Executive Officer Maharashtra Institution for Transformation MITRAldquoWe are delighted to partner with MBMC to launch a practical actionable roadmap for achieving netzero emissions in Mira Bhayandar We have implemented demonstrative projects such as replicable energyefficient green integration in housing societies and schools to showcase scalable solutions These examples serve as a proof of concept inspiring collective action and ensuring the plan translates into tangible measurable outcomes for a sustainable and climateresilient futurerdquosays Prerana Langa Chief Executive Officer AKAH IndiaThe plan aligns with the Nationally Determined Contributions NDCs for climate action by targeting emission reductions and the adoption of cuttingedge green technologies characterized by reduced emissions improved biodiversity and empowered communities driving sustainable change