Rather than reinvent the wheel, we need to learn from the global playbook. New York, Beijing and London have tackled air pollution through specific measures.
In the face of Mumbai's escalating air pollution crisis, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) unfurled a 27-point action plan last month, a blend of urgent and strategic measures to clear the haze enveloping the city. A closer look at these guidelines, segregating them into immediate and extended actions, while scrutinising their potential effectiveness against persistent smog reveals several loopholes. Furthermore, it juxtaposes Mumbai's approach with other metropolises that have turned the tide on air pollution, seeking lessons in their clearer skies. Mumbai’s story is similar to that of many bustling global cities, so a look at other financial capitals of major countries could give us an idea of how workable policies can be implemented.
Take Beijing, formerly notorious for smog, which achieved substantial progress through investments in electric public transportation, stringent vehicle emission standards, and relocating polluting industries away from the city centre.
London has also gone a long way in managing its air pollution problem. The city’s impactful measures involve the Congestion Charge, imposing fees on vehicles in Central London, thus significantly reducing traffic and pollution.
In New York, once synonymous with smog, transformative changes ensued through strict controls on industrial emissions, the promotion of electric vehicles, and the creation of green spaces.
BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal's recent comments on the need for an annual air pollution mitigation strategy, mark a turning point in Mumbai's battle against air pollution, recognising it as a persistent issue linked to climate change. In response to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's call for a public movement against pollution, Chahal stressed the need for community involvement, and measures like road cleaning and marshals at waste disposal sites to address local pollution sources. His resolute stance on enforcing compliance reflects a no-tolerance policy against violations, emphasising an equitable approach to law enforcement.
On October 25, the BMC developed these guidelines over two successive meetings when the city witnessed a week-long bout of poor air quality with a layer of haze/smog covering the city. The BMC's plans for transparency and public engagement included a dedicated mobile app and integrating pollution control into building permissions — a blend of technological and regulatory strategies.
India can draw valuable insights from China's successful approach. First, it should move beyond a single air quality standard and embrace interim targets with specific timelines, fostering a methodical approach that ensures accountability. These interim goals should be regionally tailored, addressing airsheds rather than state or district levels. This requires the development of comprehensive airshed-level action plans (for example at the scale of MMR) that encompass all major sectors and pollutants, recognizing that pollution knows no boundaries.
Disclaimer: This Article is auto-generated from the HT news service.
