The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the transformation of its Environment department into a comprehensive Environment and Climate Change department.
This newly enhanced division will see the addition of 41 specialised engineering posts, including roles for chief engineers and architects, marking a significant escalation in the city’s climate action capabilities. This reorganisation comes in response to the city’s growing vulnerability to climate-induced disasters, such as cyclonic storms and deteriorating air quality. Nearly two decades after a catastrophic deluge underscored Mumbai’s environmental vulnerabilities, the BMC is taking decisive steps to bolster its resilience against such threats.
Alongside the creation of these new roles, the BMC plans to redeploy 14 engineers from its solid waste management (SWM) department. This includes two executive engineers, nine assistant engineers, and three sub-engineers, further strengthening the department’s operational capacity. A state-of-the-art air quality monitoring and research lab is also set to be integrated into the department, enhancing its ability to track and manage air pollution levels effectively. A draft proposal detailing these new posts has been submitted to the municipal commissioner for approval. This revamped department will also oversee the implementation of the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), launched in 2021. The MCAP addresses critical areas such as waste management, urban greening and biodiversity, flood and water resource management, energy efficiency, air quality, and mobility.
The recent spotlight on the environment department’s work stems from worsening air quality in Mumbai. Although the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board holds primary responsibility for air quality management, experts have frequently criticised the BMC’s inadequate response to public complaints and its failure to penalise violators. Last winter, when Mumbai’s air quality index reached alarming levels, intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office prompted the state government to take action. Under the Chief Minister’s directives, the BMC implemented a series of measures to mitigate air pollution.
Currently led by a Deputy Municipal Commissioner, the Environment department has traditionally operated as a small wing within the Engineering and SWM departments, with limited staff and resources. The expansion and elevation of this department signal a robust commitment by the BMC to address and manage the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change more effectively. By augmenting its environmental governance structure and resources, the BMC aims to create a resilient, sustainable urban environment capable of withstanding and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term urban sustainability.
