Mira Bhayandar’s Green Cover Shrinks by 13.6% in 17 Years
Mira Bhayandar’s environmental landscape has undergone a stark transformation over the past 17 years, with its green cover declining by 13.6% between 2005 and 2022. In contrast, urban expansion in the region has surged by nearly 50%, leading to a measurable 0.46°C rise in annual temperatures. These developments have exacerbated key urban challenges such as flooding, water scarcity, and traffic congestion, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable interventions.
In response, the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), in collaboration with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), has launched a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP). The initiative, aimed at curbing pollution and setting a roadmap towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2047, was officially unveiled during the “Climate Solutions for Future-Ready Cities” workshop in Bandra on 29th January. A Greenhouse Gas (GHG) assessment revealed that 62% of carbon emissions in the twin-city stem from stationary energy sources (such as industrial and residential power consumption), 22% from transportation, and 16% from waste management.
To combat these challenges, the CAP outlines strategies that prioritise energy management & renewable energy adoption, water conservation & flood mitigation, urban greening & biodiversity preservation, improved air quality & waste management, and sustainable transportation & mobility solutions. MBMC Commissioner Sanjay Katkar emphasised the city’s commitment to reducing emissions, improving urban mobility, and enhancing climate resilience. “Our initiatives like the CAP and Home@20 are designed to transform Mira Bhayandar into a model twin-city for sustainability,” he said. The collaboration with AKAH has already resulted in demonstration projects, including energy-efficient housing solutions and sustainable practices in schools.
“These projects provide scalable, real-world solutions that inspire collective action and ensure tangible, measurable outcomes,” said Prerana Langa, CEO of AKAH India. The Climate Action Plan aligns with the Central Electricity Authority’s goal to cut emissions by 23% and aims to increase carbon sequestration by 41% through extensive green cover restoration. The workshop saw participation from leading policymakers, industry experts, and sustainability advocates, including Praveen Pardeshi (CEO, MITRA) and Bipin Shrimali (MD, MAHAPREIT). Their presence underscored the growing recognition of Mira Bhayandar’s environmental challenges and the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation to drive meaningful change. With the Climate Action Plan now in place, Mira Bhayandar is poised to take decisive steps toward a greener, more sustainable future, setting an example for other fast-urbanising cities across India.
