Navigating Solutions for #AirQuality in #Kolkata

An analysis by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that over 90 percent of the world's population is breathing poor quality air which is responsible for over 11 per cent of deaths globally.

Kolkata is among the very few cities that have fought protracted legal battles to build support for pollution control measures. Strong civil society movement, strictures from the court and executive action have led to a strong anti pollution lobby.

In 2009, the city succeeded in phasing out very old commercial vehicles including three-wheeler, taxis and many old buses. The city also moved to the next rung of emissions standards Bharat Stage IV in 2010.

The city once again got together to strengthen its efforts for improving its air quality.

Group Work - September 15

Round Table - September 24

Government, Academicians, Chambers, Consulates, Business, Civil Society, Medical Practitioners, Media got together to develop an action plan. We collaborated with the Global Change Programme of Jadavpur University and U.S. Consulate of Kolkata to organise a workshop on September 15 followed by a round table on September 24.

Mr. Debashis Sen, IAS - Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Urban Development, GoWB

Mr. A.N. Biswas, Special Secretary, Department of Power & Renewable Energy, GoWB

Mr. Anurag Danda from WWF

Smt. Sita Saha from Central Pollution Control Board

Mr. Subhas Dutta from Green Bench

Ms. Shilpa Goursari from West Bengal Highway Development Authority

Prof. Joyashree Roy, Coordinator, Global Change Programme

We all look forward to getting hands on for some concrete actions towards improving the situation. Together we will be able to achieve what we have set out doing, match our strengths to breathe quality air in not so distant future.

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