In a significant stride towards addressing environmental concerns and combating climate change, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has inaugurated a dedicated Environment and Climate Change department. This new department aims to bolster the implementation of the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), introduced in 2021.
Expanding Workforce for Effective Implementation
The BMC plans to expand its workforce by appointing 41 engineers and redeploying 14 engineers from the solid waste management (SWM) department. This includes two executive engineers, nine assistant engineers, and three sub-engineers. The goal is to enhance the corporation’s capacity to implement the MCAP and address the pressing environmental challenges faced by Mumbai.
Addressing Urgent Environmental Threats
Mumbai faces numerous environmental threats, including vulnerability to cyclonic storms and severe air pollution. The new Environment and Climate Change department, headed by a Deputy Municipal Commissioner, aims to streamline efforts to tackle these issues. It will coordinate initiatives across various departments, administrative wards, and external agencies, ensuring a unified approach to environmental management.
Comprehensive Strategies Under MCAP
The MCAP outlines a broad range of strategies to combat climate change, encompassing waste management, urban greening, biodiversity conservation, flood management, water resource management, energy efficiency, air quality improvement, and sustainable mobility. Establishing a dedicated department marks a pivotal step towards the effective implementation of these strategies.
Focus on Air Quality Monitoring
One of the key features of the new department is an air quality monitoring and research lab, underlining the need to address the city’s growing air pollution problem. Although the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board primarily handles air quality issues, the BMC’s role in responding to citizens’ complaints and enforcing regulations has faced criticism. The establishment of this lab signifies a proactive approach to mitigating air pollution.
Expert Reactions and Recommendations
Experts have lauded this development, stressing the importance of the department’s role in implementing climate action plans and fostering stakeholder collaboration. Environmental activist D Stalin emphasized the need for recruiting climate scientists and geologists to prepare both the population and the civic body for impending disasters. He advocated for the inclusion of environmental engineers and experts rather than relying solely on external consultants.
Lubaina Rangwala, Program Head of Urban Development and Resilience at WRI India, praised the creation of the new posts, stating, “The engineers in the environment and climate change department will play a crucial role in coordinating efforts across departments, administrative wards, other agencies, and stakeholders in implementing the climate action plan.”
Looking Ahead
The draft plan for creating these new positions has been submitted to the municipal commissioner for approval. Once approved, the BMC’s Environment and Climate Change department will be instrumental in driving Mumbai’s efforts to combat climate change and improve environmental conditions, marking a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards sustainability.