Mira Bhayandar, a fast-growing satellite city of Greater Mumbai, has launched an ambitious Climate Action Plan aiming for net-zero emissions by 2047. This makes it the fifth city in Maharashtra after Mumbai, Sholapur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to develop a strategic roadmap for climate resilience.
The Mira Bhayandar City Climate Action Plan 2024-2047, prepared jointly by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat India and the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), was unveiled in Mumbai on January 29. It sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 36%, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency in buildings, and improved waste management.
Rising Urbanization and Emissions
Mira Bhayandar has seen a 50% increase in built-up areas since 2005, with urban green cover shrinking by 13.6%. This has contributed to rising land surface temperatures. The city’s GHG emissions in 2023 stood at 1.34 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, with:
- 62% from the stationary energy sector (industries, buildings, boilers)
- 22% from transport
- 16% from waste management
Electricity consumption reached 1,075 GWh in 2023, with residential use making up 62%, followed by commercial (20%) and industrial (15%) consumption.
Key Sectors in Climate Action Plan
The plan prioritizes six key areas:
- Energy & Buildings – Adoption of green retrofitting, rooftop solar, and passive cooling solutions for informal settlements.
- Water Supply & Flooding – Addressing water shortages, seasonal inconsistencies, and urban flooding through better drainage and early warning systems.
- Urban Greening & Biodiversity – Increasing green spaces, promoting mangrove protection, and restoring wetlands.
- Mobility & Air Quality – Improving public transport, reducing emissions, and monitoring air quality.
- Waste Management – Expanding biogas projects, enforcing C&D waste recycling, and encouraging on-site wastewater treatment.
- Climate Governance – Integrating sustainability into city planning regulations for long-term resilience.
Challenges and Road Ahead
Despite having 10 sewage treatment plants with a combined capacity of 128 MLD, only 110.5 MLD is treated due to inefficiencies in sewage collection. Air pollution remains a serious issue, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceeding WHO limits by 14 and 9 times, respectively.
Experts stress the need for integrating climate action into urban development policies, citing cities like Chennai, which has incorporated heat mitigation strategies into its building regulations.
As Mira Bhayandar moves forward with its net-zero target, its success will depend on effective policy implementation, public participation, and long-term governance reforms to ensure a truly sustainable and climate-resilient future.