Rise in temperature and short duration high intensity rainfall are two major threats for Nagpur city if citizens and the administration fail to reduce the annual Greenhouse Gasses (GHG) emissions by 2025-26. The fact was highlighted as a warning for the city in its climate assessment report by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. NIUA conducted a study ‘State of Cities: Towards Low Carbon and Resilient Pathways’ in association with International Council for Local Environmental Initiative (ICLEI), South Asia, recently. The study was conducted to give an insight into India’s 15 smart cities, and their future challenges and pathways in terms of climate resilience, which included mitigation of GHG.

 

 

 

This report is a first of its kind which not only underscores the urgent need for resilient climate action but also highlights the crucial role they play in attracting investments for low carbon transitions. Nagpur, a key pillar in the Maharashtra’s developmental master plan, has been facing a mix of climate issues and increasing greenhouse emissions thanks to its established status as a manufacturing base. According to the report, Nagpur has GHG emissions of 3.03 million tCO2e (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent), uses 19.04 million GigaJoule (Gj) energy and consumes 1,822 million kWh electricity. It also stated that residential buildings in Nagpur consume highest energy by 43% and are also the highest GHG contributors by 38%.

 

In terms of the quantum of energy consumed by the local government, its GHG emissions profile puts water supply as the highest energy consumer by 55% and it also emits the highest 57% of GHG in another category. The report has listed action points to ensure that Nagpur, which has various industries such as chemicals, cement, electrical, electronics, textile, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food, processing, wood, and paper, reduces its emissions by 20% within 2025-26. The report also stated that residential, commercial and for climate responsive homes, optimise energy efficiency, expand bench-marking of energy consumption, map rooftop solar PV potential etc.

 

The report demarcated water supply and solid waste management to be at high risk in its assessment. “These emerging pain-points can be dealt with in a scientific and efficient way, thanks to technological interventions in the palm of our hands,” stated Emani Kumar, Executive Director, ICLEI South Asia in a press release. “The administration can install automated water ATMs, conduct water audits, and effect a faecal sludge management policy for wastewater reuse. Alont with this, the large residential, commercial and industrial properties can reuse greywater,” added Emani Kumar.