Mumbai Housing Societies Can Save Big with MLA Development Funds for Solar Panels and Rainwater Harvesting

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Mumbai’s cooperative housing societies now have a unique opportunity to reduce electricity and water bills through government-backed installations of rooftop solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, with funding from the MLA development fund. The initiative, launched by the Maharashtra government in June 2022, allows each MLA to allocate part of their Rs 5 crore annual fund to support such sustainable projects in their constituencies.

Although the scheme offers financial coverage of up to 75% for these installations, only a handful of societies are taking advantage of the opportunity. Ramesh Prabhu, chairman of the Maharashtra Housing Societies' Federation, urges housing societies to recognize the long-term savings these eco-friendly systems can bring.

In a typical Mumbai high-rise, electricity bills can range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The installation of solar panels could cut this cost by 50%, with residents only contributing 25% of the installation cost. However, low awareness about the benefits and the scheme's existence has left many housing societies out of the loop.

While political figures, including BJP leaders Ashish Shelar and Atul Bhatkalkar, are supportive of the scheme, more needs to be done to publicize it and guide residents in taking full advantage of this long-term investment.

With around 40,000 registered societies in the city, this initiative could significantly contribute to Mumbai's goal of becoming a more sustainable city.