In a monumental stride towards environmental sustainability, the city of Mumbai has unveiled a comprehensive Climate Budget.
On World Environment Day, June 5th, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proudly unveiled its inaugural Climate Budget Report for the year 2024–25. With this, Mumbai becomes only the fourth city globally to take this pioneering step, joining the ranks of cities such as Oslo, New York, and London.
The report, presented by Ashwini Joshi, an additional municipal commissioner, at the BMC headquarters, disclosed that the civic body has allocated a staggering INR 10,224.24 crore, or approximately 32.18% of the total capital expenditure of INR 31,774.59 crore, towards climate-related initiatives in Mumbai. This substantial investment underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Aligning with the Mumbai Climate Action Plan
In addition to the climate budget, the report also highlighted an additional INR 2,163.8 crore earmarked for projects that align with the various components of the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP). These projects include landscaping, LED lighting, sewage treatment plants, and rooftop solar installations in new construction, all aimed at propelling Mumbai towards its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
A significant portion of the climate budget is allocated to addressing the city’s most pressing climate-related challenges, with a strong focus on urban flood and water resource management. This includes investments in sewage projects, rainwater channels, Mumbai sewerage projects, sewage operations, water supply projects, and sanitation-related activities in solid waste management.
The climate budget report also delves into the governance structure that will be instrumental in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. The primary objective is to support and prioritize the eco-friendly projects undertaken by various municipal departments, ensuring a cohesive and coordinated approach to climate action.
Transitioning to a zero-emission future
Achieving the net-zero emission target is a key priority for Mumbai, and the climate budget outlines several strategic initiatives to make this a reality. These include the installation of LED lighting, the introduction of electric vehicles, and the implementation of waste-to-energy projects. By 2050, the city aims to have all private and public vehicles be zero-emission vehicles and to reduce landfill garbage by 50%.
One of the flagship projects in Mumbai’s climate budget is the waste-to-energy initiative at the Deonar dumping ground. This ambitious project has the capacity to convert 600 tonnes of solid waste per day into approximately 8 MW of daily electricity, showcasing the city’s innovative approach to sustainable waste management.
In addition to the waste-to-energy project, the climate budget also includes the installation of rooftop solar panels and LED lighting at peripheral hospitals, further demonstrating Mumbai’s commitment to renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency that moves towards a net-zero future.
The overall mitigation goal for Mumbai, as per the BMC report, is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The city aims to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and by 44% by 2040, a significant and ambitious undertaking. Without any intervention, emissions are projected to climb by a staggering 170% between 2019 and 2050, underscoring the urgency of the city’s climate action plan.
Collaborative action for a better future
Mumbai’s climate action journey is not a solo endeavor; the city is an active participant in the prestigious C40 program, a global network of cities dedicated to combating climate change and promoting sustainable urban development. This collaboration allows Mumbai to learn from the experiences of other leading cities and contribute to the collective effort to create a greener, more resilient future.
Mumbai’s pioneering climate budget and the comprehensive MCAP demonstrate the city’s unwavering commitment to building a sustainable, resilient future. By investing in innovative solutions, collaborating with global partners, and setting bold emissions reduction targets, Mumbai is paving the way for other Indian cities to follow suit and join the green revolution, catalyzing a new era of environmental stewardship and urban sustainability.
