Thane's Environmental Crossroads: Addressing emissions for a resilient future

The Union Housing Ministry and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, South Asia, undertook an analysis of energy consumption patterns in 15 cities, including Thane. Thane, known as the "lake city," faces a predicament as its high greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from residential buildings and public transportation, contribute to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, floods, and elevated temperatures. The excessive energy usage in this residential hub is attributed to the substantial use of household appliances and gadgets.

The study revealed that residential buildings and public transport are the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate these environmental challenges, adopting solar panels on residential rooftops and transitioning to electric buses and solar-powered vehicles emerges as a suitable solution for Thane.

A report titled "State of Cities: Towards Low Carbon and Resilient Pathways" emphasized the significant electricity consumption in Thane, largely due to the prevalent use of household appliances. The proposed recommendations include installing rooftop solar panels on residential buildings and implementing changes in wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and stormwater management practices. New construction projects are required to incorporate rainwater harvesting and rooftop solar panelling.

The transportation sector is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbated by the prevalence of private vehicles per household. The introduction of electric and solar vehicles, along with charging facilities and depots, is proposed to address this issue. Both Thane and Mumbai face excessive greenhouse gas emissions from buses and residential buildings.

The construction industry is urged to shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly practices, optimizing resources like cement, steel, sand, water, and electricity. Initiatives led by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water aim to achieve zero emissions by addressing direct emissions from transportation and indirect emissions from buildings. Proper implementation of emission-related rules and regulations is deemed essential.

Ultimately, by curbing greenhouse gas emissions, Thane can enhance its resilience against natural calamities and create a safer environment for its residents.

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Thane's Environmental Crossroads: Addressing emissions for a resilient future

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