Referring to The Goan Everyday report, “State govt pushes for energy-efficient building norms” (October 17, 2026), this is welcome news. With climate change intensifying, energy-efficient buildings are the need of the hour across the country. Better late than never, as the saying goes.
All states, particularly cities such as Mumbai, where redevelopment is taking place at a rapid pace, must not only promote energy-efficient building norms but also strictly enforce them. Rising temperatures are making the heat increasingly unbearable, and sustainable construction can play an important role in addressing the challenge.
The shortfall in rainfall should also prompt authorities to adopt effective rainwater harvesting systems to meet growing water demand. Instead of resorting to ill-conceived desalination projects that can cause pollution and environmental damage, greater emphasis must be placed on conserving rainwater and managing available water resources sustainably.
Melville X D’Souza, Mumbai
