Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation, In Collaboration With AKAH, Unveils ‘Climate Action Plan’ Aiming For Net-Zero Emissions By 2047

Mumbai: Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) and Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) jointly launched a Climate Action Plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2047. The plan targets a 36% reduction in emissions through the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient measures for buildings, and improved waste management practices. This will be complemented by a planned 23% reduction by the Central Electricity Authority for India and 41% carbon sinks through existing and expanding green cover, paving the way for a climate-resilient future. The greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment highlighted that 62% of emissions come from stationary energy, 22% from transportation, and 16% from the waste sector.

Mira Bhayandar, a key city in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and a satellite city to Greater Mumbai, has witnessed significant urban growth due to its comparatively lower cost of living. Between 2005 and 2022, the city’s built-up area increased by 50.05%, while vegetation cover declined to 13.6%. This urban expansion has led to a 0.46°C rise in annual temperatures, alongside challenges such as urban flooding and pressure on essential services like waste management, transportation, and water supply.

Recognizing the urgency of these challenges in a city that serves as a growth hub for Mumbai, the Mira Bhayandar Climate Action Plan (MBCAP) was unveiled on January 29, 2025. The plan aligns with Maharashtra’s net-zero targets and the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Supporting the Viksit Mira-Bhayandar @2047 vision, the MBCAP outlines actionable strategies and recommendations to mitigate emissions and build resilience. CEGP Foundation served as the knowledge partner for this conclave, supporting the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation in crafting and implementing this initiative.

The event featured a keynote address by Mr. Praveen Pardeshi (IAS), Chief Executive Officer of the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA). Mr. 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 Program.

Sanjay Shripatrao Katkar (IAS, Municipal Commissioner | Aga Khan Agency for Habitat

Residential electricity use is a significant contributor, responsible for 40.5% of emissions. AKAH has implemented energy-efficient measures, achieving over a 60% 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 20% improvement in energy and water efficiency.

“Mira Bhayandar is committed to becoming a model city for sustainability and innovation. Through initiatives like the City Climate Action Plan and Home@20, we aim to reduce emissions, improve mobility, and foster resilience for a greener, safer future,” says Shri Sanjay Shripatrao Katkar (IAS), Commissioner and Administrator, MBMC.

Besides 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 city-wide sector-specific analysis, and presented opportunities to build resilient and sustainable urban environments.

“Mira Bhayandar is leading the charge toward a sustainable and resilient future, and it’s 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, it’s clear that shifting citizens’ mindsets towards sustainable transport is crucial. Through strategic, long-term initiatives like these, we are committed to fostering balanced urban growth while addressing the environmental and social challenges of urbanization,” says Mr. Praveen Pardeshi (IAS), Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA).

Prerana Langa (CEO, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, India) | Aga Khan Agency for Habitat

“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,” says Ms. Prerana Langa, Chief Executive Officer, AKAH India.

The plan aligns with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action by targeting emission reductions and the adoption of cutting-edge green technologies characterized by reduced emissions, improved biodiversity, and empowered communities driving sustainable change.