Bela Gram Net-Zero Panchayat at Mumbai Climate Week
Why in the news
Mumbai Climate Week 2026 presented Bela Gram as a model of climate action by local self-government, called India’s first net-zero panchayat.
Key facts
- Also described as Maharashtra’s first net-zero village.
- Led by Sarpanch Sharada Gaydhane with community participation.
- Honoured with the 2024 Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar.
| Area | Action |
|---|---|
| Trees | 90,000+ planted at social events |
| Fuel | Smoky chulhas replaced by LPG |
| Solar | Homes, anganwadis, panchayat buildings |
| Waste | Segregation at source; no single-use plastic; waste-to-wealth |
Route to net zero
Renewables, trees, waste handling, clean cooking fuel, resource saving, eco-friendly farming.