Mumbai’s Bold ₹17,066 Crore Climate Action Plan: How BMC Tackles Environmental Challenges Despite Staffing Gaps

On June 5, World Environment Day, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unveiled its Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP). The plan comes with a hefty budget of ₹17,066 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to tackle climate issues. However, concerns about its effectiveness have emerged due to significant staffing shortages in the BMC’s Environment and Climate Change (E & CC) Department. Out of 41 positions, only a handful are currently filled. The department also lacks a dedicated office, which was meant to be set up in Worli.

Environment activist Zoru Bhathena has voiced skepticism, suggesting that the BMC’s efforts amount to little more than public relations. “The current state of the department shows how seriously BMC is about real climate action," he said. "It feels more like window dressing than genuine commitment."

A senior BMC official acknowledged that the department is currently run by a Chief Engineer and just four assistant engineers. These individuals are stretched thin, managing their work alongside other responsibilities. Attempts to fill these crucial engineering positions have been delayed.

Interestingly, the existing engineers in other areas prefer not to transfer to the E & CC department, choosing instead roles focused on infrastructure. Since November 2017, the department has seen a rapid turnover, with 15 Deputy Municipal Commissioners, many balancing additional roles.

In March 2024, the department was upgraded and given 41 new posts, including key engineering roles. Yet, critics like Debi Goenka argue that the budget serves mainly to attract external funding. “This budget highlights potential, yet the BMC continues to chop down thousands of trees. It’s a contradiction,” she remarked.

Despite the controversy, the BMC claims it achieved 86% of its targets from the previous fiscal year’s climate budget, reporting 739 activities aimed at climate improvement.

For more insights on climate action plans and urban environmental management, consider visiting the World Resources Institute.

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