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Why in News?
Bela Gram, India’s first net-zero panchayat, was highlighted at Mumbai Climate Week 2026 as a model of grassroots climate action led by local governance.
Key Highlights:
- Bela Gram became Maharashtra’s first net-zero village.
- Led by Sarpanch Sharada Gaydhane through community participation and sustainable practices.
- Received the 2024 Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar.
Measures Taken to Achieve Net Zero
- Plantation of 90,000+ trees during social events.
- Transition from traditional smoky chulhas to LPG cooking fuel.
- Solar panels installed in homes, anganwadis, and panchayat buildings.
- Waste segregation at source and elimination of single-use plastics.
- Promotion of circular economy — “waste to wealth” approach.
How a Village Becomes Net Zero
A village can achieve net zero by:
- Using renewable energy (solar, wind, biogas) instead of fossil fuels.
- Planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Managing waste properly (reduce, reuse, recycle).
- Using clean cooking fuel (like LPG or biogas).
- Saving water and electricity.
- Promoting eco-friendly farming.
