23 June,2026 08:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BMC urged to allow corporator funds for green projects in private housing societies. File Pic
A proposal to allow the use of corporator funds for solar power systems and rainwater harvesting projects in private housing societies has been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) by Women and Child Welfare Committee Chairperson Minal Turde.
Turde has written to BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide requesting changes to the existing rules governing the use of corporator funds. She said the move would help more residents benefit from development initiatives while encouraging environmentally sustainable practices across the city.
In her letter, Turde pointed out that a large section of Mumbai's population resides in private housing societies and contributes significantly to the civic body's revenue through property tax, water charges and other taxes.
They should also be able to benefit from development initiatives supported through corporator funds, Turde said in her representation.
However, current rules do not permit corporator funds to be used for development works inside private housing societies. As a result, many residents are unable to benefit from projects that could improve sustainability and reduce utility costs.
Turde noted that both the Central Government and the BMC have been promoting environmentally friendly measures such as solar energy and rainwater harvesting. She said private housing societies should be encouraged to adopt these initiatives by making financial assistance available through corporator funds.
According to her, rainwater harvesting systems can help collect and store rainwater for non-drinking purposes such as cleaning, washing and maintenance activities. This would reduce dependence on potable water and help ease pressure on Mumbai's water supply network.
The corporator also highlighted the benefits of solar power installations in residential societies. Financial support for solar energy projects could help societies reduce electricity expenses while increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing dependence on conventional sources of electricity.
Turde has urged the civic administration to amend the existing rules related to corporator funds and permit their use for solar energy and rainwater harvesting projects in private housing societies.
She said such a step would help promote environmental sustainability, improve resource conservation and support Mumbai's long-term development needs while directly benefiting a large number of residents across the city.
