Pune has made remarkable progress by doubling its solar energy use within the past year while simultaneously seeing notable increases in tree cover and local bird diversity. The push for cleaner energy and sustainable policies is visibly reshaping both the environment and quality of life in the city.
Solar Power Surges in Pune
The Pune zone of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has recorded a significant revenue increase of ₹5,137 crore over the past two financial years. Revenue grew from ₹16,143 crore in 2022-23 to ₹21,280 crore in 2024-25, making Pune the top-performing zone in the state.
This financial growth is largely driven by rapid urban development, which led to a surge in new electricity connections. Over 400,000 new meters were installed during the period, bringing the total number of consumers in the zone to 3.92 million— the highest across Maharashtra.
The MSEDCL also improved its efficiency in collecting dues, reducing outstanding bills from ₹124 crore to ₹69 crore by the end of 2024-25. Additionally, power theft worth ₹62.4 crore was detected and addressed, contributing further to the financial turnaround.
In line with the state’s renewable energy goals, Pune made substantial progress in rooftop solar adoption. Rooftop solar capacity almost doubled from 249 MW across 9,977 users to 474 MW among 28,604 users. The zone now accounts for 15% of Maharashtra’s total installed rooftop solar capacity.
Despite leading in revenue generation—contributing ₹1,800 to ₹2,000 crore monthly—Pune continues to grapple with frequent power outages. This has raised concerns among residents about the quality and reliability of electricity services in the city.
To address these challenges, the central government has allocated ₹2,600 crore under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the Pune zone. The funding will support the installation of new substations, switching stations, transformers, and feeder pillars to upgrade the power infrastructure and improve service reliability.
The city generated over 1.66 lakh kilowatts (kW) of solar energy in 2024–25, up from 79,618 kW the previous year, as reported by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). More than 50,000 additional kW of panel capacity was installed in a single year, with nearly two-thirds of that electricity powering residential properties. This rapid growth is driven by increased public awareness, favorable government subsidies, and escalating energy demands.
Tree Cover Expands Beyond City Limits
Despite a reduction in city boundaries due to administrative changes, Pune increased its tree count by two lakh, from 55.81 lakh to 57.81 lakh trees. The city also grew its number of public gardens, indicating ongoing investment in green spaces. Conservation efforts by citizens and civic authorities have targeted the preservation and expansion of urban forests, particularly on the city’s iconic hillocks like Vetal Tekdi and Pashan.
Rising Bird Diversity in Urban Green Pockets
Enhanced green cover and protection of local ecosystems have resulted in the improved presence of bird species. According to the PMC’s latest report, bird counts in major hills—Vetal Tekdi, Kavadipath, and Pashan—have each increased compared to the previous year, suggesting a growing biodiversity. Wider studies also suggest that well-managed solar projects and urban gardens can support avian diversity, especially if habitat-friendly practices are prioritized.
The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
While Pune has set an example in clean energy adoption and green space conservation, challenges remain. Air quality improvements have lagged despite renewable progress, partly due to rising vehicle numbers and traditional urban practices. Experts highlight the need for not just more trees, but also a higher share of native species and broader citizen participation in biodiversity stewardship.
Pune’s journey demonstrates how ambitious clean energy policies and active citizen engagement can create greener, more vibrant urban environments—even as further improvement is needed to secure a truly sustainable and healthy future.
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