The BMC aims to generate 50 and 90 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 2050, respectively. 
While it hasn’t outlined exactly how this will be achieved it is likely to involve both macro and micro-scale projects.

Plans are already underway to float solar panels on four large dams on the outskirts of the city, for example, while new building bylaws mandate that by 2025, structures must be powered by renewable energy systems.

“Everyone is looking to do something in a mega way but sun and wind are decentralised sources of power,” said Mr Sahgal. “I can’t see why we can’t generate power from the sun or build new, circular wind turbines on the roofs of buildings in Mumbai.”

Much is likely to depend on how quickly India can scale up its renewable energy industries, which currently suffer logistical and financial constraints, particularly within the solar industry.

But, there are encouraging signs too. In 2020, approximately 40 per cent of energy capacity installed in India came from renewable sources and their industry share is growing, albeit slowly.

Optimism can be gleaned from another Indian city, Bhopal. There, local NGOs have hired women from informal settlements to go door-to-door to spread the word about climate change and sell energy efficient products at subsidised rates, like LED bulbs.