Amravati has become the first municipal corporation in Maharashtra to draft 'Cool Roof' by-laws using remote sensing technology aimed at reducing temperatures. The initiative secured the first place and a prize of ₹10 lakh in the Maharashtra government's 'Rajiv Gandhi Administrative Dynamism Campaign and Competition 2025–26'.
Competition Details
The competition was held recently in Mumbai. The by-laws are designed to lower temperatures and save energy through solar-reflective roofs. It is now mandatory for new buildings to implement these rules, which are linked to the building permission process. Additionally, old buildings adopting these rules will receive tax concessions. The implementation is facilitated through a special digital portal that integrates the Tax Department and the Building Department.
Award Ceremony
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented the award to Amravati Municipal Commissioner Varsha Laddha, IAS, and Deputy Engineer Hemant Mahajan. Amravati earned this honor by competing against major municipal corporations such as Pune, Mira-Bhayandar, and Navi Mumbai.
Selection Process
The competition was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, an online application was submitted with detailed information about the initiative. In the second phase, a presentation was made before a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, highlighting its effectiveness, innovation, and implementation. Former Amravati Commissioner Soumya Sharma was the brainchild behind this initiative.
