Bela Gram in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district has emerged as India’s first net-zero village, demonstrating how localized leadership can effectively combat global climate change through grassroots participation and sustainable transitions.
Net-Zero Emissions and Carbon Neutrality
The core concept driving the transformation of Bela Gram is Net-Zero Emissions, a state where the greenhouse gases (GHG) released into the atmosphere are balanced by an equal amount being removed.
- Net-zero is achieved through two parallel tracks: Reduction (switching to renewables like solar, using LPG over wood-fire) and Sequestration (planting trees to act as carbon sinks)⁴.
- The Global Context: Under the Paris Agreement (2015), the goal is to limit global warming to well below 20C and preferably to 1.50C. This requires global emissions to reach net-zero by 2050⁴.
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) has focused on the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs). “Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat” is a special category under the National Panchayat Awards meant to incentivize villages to eliminate their carbon footprint⁶.
Key Concepts for UPSC Prelims
1. Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar
This is a specific award category under the Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar. Bela Gram won this in 2024 for its holistic approach, including planting over 90,000 trees and achieving a “single-use plastic-free” status¹. The award recognizes Panchayats that have taken exemplary steps toward achieving a net-zero carbon footprint through renewable energy and waste management.
2. District Mineral Foundation (DMF)
Mentioned by leaders from Jharkhand at the Mumbai Climate Week, the DMF is a critical financial tool for resource-rich areas.
- t is a statutory non-profit trust established under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) [MMDR] Amendment Act, 2015³.
- Funded through contributions from holders of mining leases. For leases granted after 2015, the contribution is 10% of the royalty, while for older leases, it is 30%³.
- Purpose – To work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining-related operations through the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)³.
3. Solar Gramam (The Perinjanam Model)
Perinjanam in Kerala is a pioneer in the Prosumer Model.
- Prosumer: A consumer who also produces energy. In Perinjanam, 850 households use rooftop solar to not only meet their needs but also feed excess power back into the grid⁵.
4. Localization of SDGs (LSDG)
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with UNDP, has identified 9 Themes to localize the 17 Global SDGs.
- Theme 9: “Panchayat with Good Governance” and Theme 5: “Clean and Green Village” are directly linked to climate action at the village level⁶.
Conceptual Clarity: Traps & Misconceptions
- Misconception: “Net-Zero” means a village or entity produces zero carbon emissions.
- Reality: Net-zero does not mean “Gross Zero.” It means that any carbon emitted is fully compensated by carbon absorbed (by forests) or captured (by technology)⁴.
- Misconception: The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a Central Government fund.
- Reality: DMFs are established by State Governments in every district affected by mining. While the Center provides guidelines (PMKKKY), the administration of the trust lies with the state/district authorities³.
UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. With reference to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in India, consider the following statements:
- It is established under the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- It is a non-profit body meant to benefit persons in areas affected by mining operations.
- Mining lease holders are required to contribute a percentage of their royalty to this fund.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q2. The “Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar” is an initiative of which Ministry?
(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(b) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(c) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(d) Ministry of Rural Development
Q3. Which of the following best describes the term ‘Prosumer’ often seen in the context of India’s energy transition?
(a) A consumer who buys electricity only from renewable sources.
(b) An entity that both produces and consumes its own energy.
(c) A commercial industry that receives carbon credits for low energy use.
(d) A government agency that regulates solar panel manufacturing.
Answers:
Q1: (b) [DMF is under MMDR Act 2015]
Q2: (c) [MoPR awards these for LSDG progress]
Q3: (b) [As seen in the Perinjanam Solar Gramam model]
Sources:
1. The Hindu: Mumbai Climate Week 2026 – Bela Gram
3 PIB: Ministry of Mines – District Mineral Foundation Rules
4. UN Climate Change: Net Zero FAQ
5. Ministry of Panchayati Raj: Localization of SDGs Report
