Mira Bhayandar: Twin-City's Green Cover Drops 13.6% In 17 Years; MBMC & AKAH Unveil Climate Action Plan For Resilient Future By 2047

In a significant step aimed at controlling pollution and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2047, the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has launched a well-structured climate action plan (CAP).

Initiative Officially Unveiled

The initiative was officially unveiled at the climate action workshop (Climate Solutions for Future Ready Cities) held in Bandra on Wednesday (29, January) in collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH). In a shocking revelation, the twin-city’s green cover has declined by 13.6 percent between 2005 and 2022. On the other hand, the twin-city’s built up area has witnessed an expansion of around 50 percent in the corresponding period which has consequently led to a 0.46 rise in annual temperatures, intensifying challenges such as flooding, water scarcity, and traffic congestion.

A greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment also revealed that 62 percent of carbon emissions originate from stationary energy sources, 22 percent emissions are due to transportation and 16 percent emissions stem from waste management.

Statement Of MBMC Chief Sanjay Katkar

“We are committed to transform Mira Bhayandar into a model twin-city through initiatives like the CAP and Home@20 which are aimed to reduce emissions, improve mobility, and foster resilience for a greener, safer future," said MBMC chief Sanjay Katkar.

Statement Of Chief Executive Officer Of AKAH India

“We are delighted to partner with MBMC to launch a practical, actionable roadmap for achieving net-zero emissions in Mira Bhayandar. We have implemented demonstrative projects, such as replicable energy-efficient 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 climate-resilient future,” said Prerana Langa, chief executive officer of AKAH India.

The plan prioritizes energy management and renewable energy generation, water conservation and flood mitigation, urban greening and biodiversity preservation, improved air quality and waste management, and sustainable transportation and mobility solutions. Additionally, the plan aligns with the Central Electricity Authority's target to reduce emissions by 23% and aims to increase carbon sequestration by 41% through enhanced green cover.

The workshop was attended by prominent policymakers, industry experts, and sustainability leaders. Key dignitaries included Praveen Pardeshi (IAS), CEO of Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) and Bipin Shrimali (IAS), managing director of Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT).