In a remarkable step towards sustainability, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), under the leadership of Municipal Commissioner Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, has made significant strides in promoting solar energy across the city. The Electricity Department has successfully commissioned solar power generation plants across various municipal sites, including ward area offices and water purification projects.

A total of 160 kW of solar power plants have been installed across 10 ward offices in Kalyan Dombivli. Additionally, 120 kW solar plants have been set up at the Municipal Corporation’s water purification projects in Mohili and the Kapote parking lot. The initiative also includes a 0.44 MW capacity installed on 15 municipal buildings, contributing to an annual generation of 6.34 lakh solar power units.

Since 2007, KDMC has mandated solar power installations in new buildings, requiring developers to install solar plants before receiving an occupancy certificate. This policy has resulted in the installation of solar hot water plants with a capacity of over 1 crore liters per day on 1832 buildings, leading to a significant reduction in electricity load for heating water, saving 18 crore conventional electricity units annually.

Furthermore, since 2021, KDMC has enforced the installation of solar power generation plants in new buildings, with a total of 3.5 megawatts of solar capacity installed across 194 new buildings. These installations are expected to generate 50.40 lakh solar power units annually, powering essential building facilities like elevators, water pumps, and outdoor lighting.

Dr. Jakhar also highlighted the upcoming solar energy projects funded by the Maharashtra Government, which will further expand the city's green energy capacity. These include installations at: Shastrinagar Hospital (170 kW), Savalaram Sports Complex (120 kW), Atre Theatre, Kalyan (50 kW), Rukmini Plaza Hospital, Titwala (20 kW), Vasant Valley Hospital (20 kW), Adharwadi Fire Station, Kalyan (10 kW).

These solar plants are expected to generate 5.62 lakh solar energy units annually.

In addition to infrastructural developments, KDMC is also engaging citizens in solar energy awareness. The Municipal Corporation's Electricity Department organized 26 street play experiments across schools, colleges, and public institutions to promote the benefits of solar energy. Public awareness was further boosted during the National Energy Conservation Week held from December 14 to 20, 2024.

To encourage citizen participation in solar energy adoption, KDMC offers a 1% property tax exemption for residents who install solar power plants, provided they submit a certificate of operation annually.