Indian Chamber of Commerce recognises KDMC’s commitment

The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has added another prestigious honour to its name by winning the 5th Green Energy and Energy Conservation Award from the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The award was presented at the 13th Green Energy Committee Meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday, acknowledging KDMC’s exceptional contributions in solar energy adoption and energy conservation across various municipal departments.

Under the visionary leadership of KDMC Commissioner Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar, KDMC has implemented groundbreaking green energy projects, making it a model for sustainable urban development in India.

On behalf of KDMC, Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department, Prashant Bhagwat, accepted the award at the national event.

KDMC has been a pioneer in solar energy implementation, making it mandatory for developers to install solar power systems on all new buildings since 2007. To ensure effective compliance, the Electricity Department established a robust monitoring mechanism.

Between 2007 and 2021, a total of 1,832 buildings were equipped with solar hot water systems with a combined capacity of 1.08 crore litres per day. This initiative has significantly reduced reliance on electric geysers, resulting in annual energy savings of 180 million units.

Taking its green vision further, since 2021, KDMC has made it compulsory for developers to install rooftop net-metered solar power generation systems. As a result, 197 buildings have installed solar plants with a total capacity of 3.6 megawatts (MW), generating 5.2 million units of solar energy per year.

KDMC has also commissioned solar energy plants across key municipal facilities, including 10 ward offices, with a total solar capacity of 160 kilowatts (kW), the Mohili Water Purification Plant and Kapote Parking Lot, each equipped with 120 kW solar power systems, and 15 municipal buildings, housing solar plants with a total capacity of 0.44 MW, generating 6.34 lakh units of solar power annually.

KDMC has also been at the forefront of energy efficiency initiatives. In a major step towards reducing urban energy consumption, the corporation has replaced conventional sodium streetlights with energy-efficient LED streetlights under both municipal funding and Smart City projects.

Furthering its green efforts, KDMC has upgraded its municipal theatres by replacing outdated chillers with energy-efficient models and installed 28-watt ceiling fans and LED lighting across municipal offices to reduce power consumption.

Beyond infrastructure, KDMC has been actively engaging citizens through large-scale awareness campaigns promoting energy conservation and solar energy usage.

These outreach initiatives have included street plays and energy conservation songs performed at schools, colleges, government offices, festivals, and marathons, along with educational drives in large residential societies, spreading awareness about sustainable energy practices.

According to Executive Engineer Prashant Bhagwat, KDMC’s initiatives are not just about meeting energy targets, they are about creating a culture of sustainability within the community.

With this latest recognition, KDMC has once again established itself as a national leader in green energy and sustainability. The award highlights the KDMC’s commitment to renewable energy integration and energy-efficient urban planning.