Why in the News?
At Mumbai Climate Week 2026, Bela Gram in Bhandara district of Maharashtra was highlighted as the State’s first net zero panchayat, showcasing grassroots climate leadership.
Location
- Bela Gram, Bhandara district
- Vidarbha region, Maharashtra
What is Net Zero?
- Achieving balance between:
- Greenhouse gas emissions produced
- Emissions removed or offset
- Often achieved through renewable energy, afforestation, waste management and energy efficiency.
Key Initiatives in Bela Gram
- Plantation of over 90,000 trees during weddings and festivals.
- Transition from traditional chulhas to LPG.
- Installation of rooftop solar panels in homes, anganwadis and Panchayat offices.
- Doorstep waste segregation.
- Elimination of single use plastics.
- Recipient of Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar 2024.
Broader Context
- Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in local climate action.
- Discussion linked to future global climate negotiations and India’s long term net zero targets.
- Emphasis on decentralised, community driven climate solutions.
Related Examples
- Perinjanam in Kerala as Solar Gramam with rooftop prosumers.
- Use of District Mineral Foundation funds in Jharkhand for water revival and solar irrigation.
- Community afforestation and water conservation efforts in Odisha, Bihar and Karnataka.
| [2015] The fundamental object of Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following?
1. People’s participation in development 2. Political accountability 3. Democratic decentralization 4. Financial mobilization Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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