Sustainable Living: The Emergence of Eco-Friendly Projects in Mumbai

Green living has become a buzzword with increasing concern for the environment and its preservation. Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, has also taken a proactive stand towards sustainability with the emergence of eco-friendly projects. These ventures aim towards the creation of a green economy, thereby ensuring better utilization of resources and environmental conservation, ultimately resulting in a sustainable lifestyle.

One of the unique eco-friendly projects in Mumbai is the 'Earth-ship' house, located in the eastern suburbs. An Earth-ship is a completely self-sustained building made up of natural and recycled materials like glass bottles, tyres, and mud. It runs on solar and wind power, rainwater harvesting, and uses plants to treat wastewater. The Earth-ship is designed to be a carbon-neutral and energy-efficient structure. Constructed by a team of volunteers, this project has gained popularity due to its sustainable concept and has even been certified by the International Communal Living Association.

Another project that stands out is 'Clean Air Island' – a non-profit organization that focuses on addressing the issue of air pollution that plagues Mumbai. It aims to create 'Clean Air Zones' in the city by increasing awareness of air pollution and planting greenery that purifies the air. This initiative has garnered widespread support from residents, corporates, and the Government, with the organization receiving funding from various sources. It has resulted in a tangible impact, with an air quality improvement of 70% in the areas where the project has been implemented.

Mumbai’s 'Farm Hills' is a concept that combines sustainable living with farming to create self-reliant communities. Farm Hills is situated in the outskirts of Mumbai, where residents have access to organic farming plots and fully sustainable homes. This project aims to create communities that are self-sufficient, with food produced within the community and the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. The community also has facilities like a farmers’ market, yoga center, and natural playing areas to create a sustainable and healthy ecosystem.

The Government of Maharashtra has taken initiatives to incentivize and support sustainable living in Mumbai. The Maharashtra State Government amended the Maharashtra Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules in 2018 to encourage developers to embrace eco-friendly practices. This new provision grants additional floor space index (FSI) for projects that incorporate sustainable measures like rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and solar panels. This provision is a step towards reducing the carbon footprint of the real estate sector.

Mumbai's venture towards sustaining the environment is not limited to these eco-friendly projects alone. The city also has initiatives by the local government like reducing plastic usage, promoting clean energy, and vertical gardening in public spaces. Corporate giants like Godrej, Future Group, and Mahindra have also started implementing sustainable measures in their work culture, which includes the use of alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, the emergence of eco-friendly projects in Mumbai reflects the city's commitment towards creating a sustainable future. With the Government providing incentives and corporates taking initiatives, people are also becoming conscious and embracing sustainable practices. Such initiatives pave the way for creating a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment, making Mumbai a role model for other cities to emulate.