Bela Gram Panchayat, India’s First Net-Zero Panchayat

Why in the News?

Bela Gram Panchayat in Bhandara district of Maharashtra was recognised as India’s first net-zero panchayat. It received national attention during Mumbai Climate Week 2026 for its carbon-neutral initiatives. The recognition highlights the role of local bodies in climate action and sustainable development.

About Bela Gram Panchayat

• Bela Gram Panchayat is located in Bhandara district of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
• It became India’s first net-zero panchayat through community-led climate initiatives.
• Bela Gram panchayat planted more than 90.000 trees during weddings and festivals. 
• It also advocated for a smooth energy transition from smoky chulhas to LPG.
• It installed solar panels at homes, anganwadis, and Panchayat offices
• Promoted waste segregation and eliminated single-use plastics.
• It had earlier received the 2024 Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar for excellence in governance.

Also Read: Zero Poverty Programme

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What is Net-Zero?

• Net-zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere.
• This does not mean that emissions completely stop. It means we reduce them as much as possible through clean energy, energy efficiency and sustainable lifestyles.
• The small amount that still remains is then balanced by planting trees or using other carbon absorption methods.
• India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Panchayat-Led Climate Initiatives in Other States

Similar panchayat-led climate initiatives are as follows:

• Perinjanam in Kerala implemented the “Solar Gramam” project, turning households into rooftop solar prosumers.
• Siyari in Jharkhand revived lakes and promoted solar irrigation through District Mineral Fund support.
• Badakichab in Odisha restored forests through indigenous women-led plantation drives.
• Garhi in Bihar built check dams and ponds to tackle water scarcity and soil erosion.
• Kolar in Karnataka promoted climate-resilient agriculture and revived water bodies.
• These examples show that climate governance is becoming decentralised and community-driven.