In a bid to reduce environmental footprints and offer long-term financial savings along with better health and a higher quality of life, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) in association with the renowned social welfare organisation-Aga Khan Agency For Habitat (India) has launched an ambitious “Green Reconstruction and Sustainable Housing” project in the twin-city.

A pilot project was launched three months ago in two housing settlements including- Shivshakti Nagar (Bhayandar) and Nav Yuvan Complex (Mira Road). Under this project, a heat mapping process was conducted across various locations in the twin-city, following which the two hottest settlements were selected for the trial run. 

After meticulous planning an elaborate road map was chalked out to integrate eco-friendly features including energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy sources and sustainable rebuilding materials in the selected homes. Apart from facilitating ventilation bands in front of the houses and replacing normal fans with energy efficient ones, aluminum foils and solar reflective index (SRI) paint was applied to the roofs to enhance natural cooling and reduce power consumption. Also, motion sensor lights and solar panels were installed in the common areas of the complex.

All these measures resulted in a sharp decline in electricity consumption and reduced power bills on the virtue of natural cooling.

Expressing his intent of implementing this experiment throughout the twin-city, municipal commissioner- Sanjay Katkar said, “These features help reduce the overall environmental impact of homes while promoting long-term sustainability. Green homes go beyond being energy-efficient—it’s a lifestyle choice that aims to reduce resource consumption and improve the quality of life.” 

Another integral part of the project is community farming in which senior citizens of the locality are encouraged to plant vegetables. The localities will also be facilitated with a waste sorting and composting process.