Mumbai has emerged as a trailblazer among Indian cities by integrating climate action into its governance through a pioneering climate budgeting initiative. This strategic approach, aimed at aligning city operations with the Paris Agreement targets, underscores a broader shift towards sustainable urban development amidst escalating climate risks across the country.
Mumbai’s adoption of a climate budget, unveiled in June, allocates a substantial 32% of its ₹31,775 crore annual budget to projects designed to meet its climate action plan (CAP) objectives. An additional 6.81% of funds, amounting to ₹2,163.8 crore, are earmarked for integrating supplementary components aimed at enhancing climate resilience further. This initiative marks a significant milestone as Mumbai becomes the first Indian city and the fourth globally, following Oslo, London, and New York, within the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, to implement such a comprehensive climate budget. By embedding climate considerations into financial planning, Mumbai aims not only to mitigate environmental impacts but also to enhance urban infrastructure and community resilience against climate-induced challenges.
The success of Mumbai’s climate budgeting approach has spurred similar efforts across other major Indian cities. Chennai, for instance, recently launched its own CAP aligned with the Paris Agreement, complemented by a rigorous revision of its master plan for 2026-2046 to enforce climate action legally. Bengaluru, another C40 member, has initiated climate budgeting following the adoption of its CAP in late 2023, facilitated by World Resources Institute-India (WRI-India). Furthermore, cities like Ahmedabad, Nagpur, and Vadodara are making significant strides towards climate resilience. Ahmedabad has already released its Climate Resilient City Action Plan, aligning with India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Nagpur, with support from ICELI and WRI, launched India’s first zero-carbon plan for the building sector, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.
Underpinning these efforts is technical assistance provided by organizations like C40 and WRI-India, aiding cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and several others in formulating robust CAPs and integrating climate actions into municipal budgets. The collaborative approach, bolstered by methodologies compatible with international climate standards, highlights a concerted effort to leverage central and state government missions for sustainable urban development. As Indian cities navigate the complexities of climate change, Mumbai’s pioneering approach to climate budgeting stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience, offering valuable lessons for urban centres across the nation striving to secure a sustainable future amidst global environmental challenges.
