On World Environment Day, 5 June 2024, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took a significant step forward in tackling climate change. It unveiled its first Climate Budget Report for the 2024-25 financial year in Mumbai. This groundbreaking move makes Mumbai the first city in India and the fourth globally to publish such a report, joining the ranks of leading metropolises like Oslo, New York, and London.
Mumbai Announces ₹10,000 Crore Climate Budget
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The report, presented by Ms Ashwini Joshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner, at the BMC headquarters, details the allocation of a substantial ₹10,224.24 crore for climate-related initiatives in Mumbai. This allocation represents a significant commitment, accounting for roughly 32.18% of the city’s total capital expenditure budget of ₹31,774.59 crore.
Furthermore, the budget includes an additional ₹2,163.8 crore earmarked for projects that align with key elements of the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP). These projects focus on areas like landscaping, LED street lighting, the construction of sewage treatment plants, and the promotion of rooftop solar panels in new buildings. These initiatives collectively aim to propel Mumbai towards achieving its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions.
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A Global Leader In Climate Action
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Mumbai’s climate budget is primarily focused on urban flooding and water resource management, including sewage treatment, rainwater channel development, and sanitation improvements. The report emphasises the need for effective governance to address climate challenges. It promotes environmentally conscious projects, such as LED lighting, electric vehicles, and waste-to-energy initiatives.
The long-term vision is to transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2050 and reduce landfill waste by 50%. Mumbai also participates in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. This promotes urban initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, enhancing health, well-being, and economic opportunities.
The Mumbai Climate Action Plan, released in March 2022, is a strategic plan by the BMC to combat climate change. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement climate adaptation measures. This will help manage risks like air pollution, landslides, coastal hazards, urban heat, and flooding.
Mumbai is one of only thirteen cities participating in the C40 Cities’ climate budget pilot programme. The plan outlines a phased approach, with a 30% reduction by 2030 and a further 44% reduction by 2040.
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