Maha govt sets up climate change panel as Mumbai faces sinking threat
SMART CITIES

Maha govt sets up climate change panel as Mumbai faces sinking threat

The Maharashtra cabinet was presented with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's global warming report on Wednesday, with a focus on Maharashtra and its coastal belt, particularly Mumbai.

While making the presentation, the environment department emphasised that if temperatures rise by 2 to 2.5 degree celsius as a result of climate change, the city and state will be among the worst-affected places on the planet.

The department warned that if business as usual continues, Mumbai and other coastal areas will be flooded, and central Maharashtra will face severe drought. Forests, instead of acting as carbon sinks, will burn due to fires, according to the report.

The presentation also warned that wet bulb temperature read by a thermometer covered in water-soaked cloth over which air is passed could be disastrous for Mumbai.

When humidity is at 100% and water does not provide any cooling, a wet-bulb temperature reaches the surrounding temperature, resulting in heatstroke in living beings. This can result in a large number of deaths, compared to those caused by earthquakes or epidemics.

The impact of climate change was already being felt locally, according to the presentation, as Mumbai and its surrounding areas were hit by two cyclones in quick succession Nisarga in 2020 and Tauktae in 2021. Landslides are becoming more common as a result of heavy rain.

The department cited the government's efforts to slow global warming, citing the conservation of Aarey forest and the restoration of mangroves as examples of steps taken to protect and create carbon sinks.

Energy (50%), industry and transportation (15% each), agriculture, and urbanisation are the five sectors identified as major contributors to the carbon footprint (10% each).

Principal Secretary of Environment Manisha Mhaiskar told the media that the minister in charge of the relevant department will oversee the development of a plan and provide details on funding allocation for implementation. After that, the plan will be presented to the council.

Image Source

The Maharashtra cabinet was presented with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's global warming report on Wednesday, with a focus on Maharashtra and its coastal belt, particularly Mumbai. While making the presentation, the environment department emphasised that if temperatures rise by 2 to 2.5 degree celsius as a result of climate change, the city and state will be among the worst-affected places on the planet. The department warned that if business as usual continues, Mumbai and other coastal areas will be flooded, and central Maharashtra will face severe drought. Forests, instead of acting as carbon sinks, will burn due to fires, according to the report. The presentation also warned that wet bulb temperature read by a thermometer covered in water-soaked cloth over which air is passed could be disastrous for Mumbai. When humidity is at 100% and water does not provide any cooling, a wet-bulb temperature reaches the surrounding temperature, resulting in heatstroke in living beings. This can result in a large number of deaths, compared to those caused by earthquakes or epidemics. The impact of climate change was already being felt locally, according to the presentation, as Mumbai and its surrounding areas were hit by two cyclones in quick succession Nisarga in 2020 and Tauktae in 2021. Landslides are becoming more common as a result of heavy rain. The department cited the government's efforts to slow global warming, citing the conservation of Aarey forest and the restoration of mangroves as examples of steps taken to protect and create carbon sinks. Energy (50%), industry and transportation (15% each), agriculture, and urbanisation are the five sectors identified as major contributors to the carbon footprint (10% each). Principal Secretary of Environment Manisha Mhaiskar told the media that the minister in charge of the relevant department will oversee the development of a plan and provide details on funding allocation for implementation. After that, the plan will be presented to the council. Image Source

Next Story
Real Estate

Google India’s New Campus

India continues to cement its position as a global digital powerhouse – and Google’s latest milestone reinforces this trajectory with the inauguration of Ananta, one of its largest offices worldwide. CW explores the design, sustainability and construction aspects of this landmark campus in Bengaluru.Significance of AnantaLocated in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, Ananta spans 1.6 million sq ft and is situated within Bagmane Tech Park. Named after the Sanskrit word for ‘infinite’, this state-of-the-art, 11-storey facility is Google’s fourth office in Bengaluru. It is designed to foster colla..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian Delegation Visits South Africa for Trade and Investment Talks

A nine-member Indian delegation participated in the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held in Pretoria from 22 to 23 April 2025. Discussions were conducted in a cordial atmosphere, focusing on expanding trade ties, boosting investments, and fostering greater people-to-people exchanges. The meeting was co-chaired by Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, and Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, India. Delegates from the High Commission ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Ministry of Cooperation Inaugurates NCOL Organic Packaging Facility

The Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated a new state-of-the-art packaging facility of National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The centre is dedicated to packaging pulses and organic products while maintaining high hygiene and quality standards. Dr Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, called the facility a major milestone in promoting the Bharat Organics brand. The initiative aims to empower farmers and expand access to certified organic produce across India, while offering premium prices to farmers and affordable organic food to consumers. Un..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?