CII and Pune Municipal Corporation Join Forces for ‘Cleaner Air, Better Life’ Initiative to Enhance Pune’s Air Quality”
PUNE: A groundbreaking endeavor, the ‘Cleaner Air, Better Life (CABL) Pune’ initiative, was unveiled in collaboration between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Pune Municipal Corporation. The program aims to drive a cleaner and more sustainable future for Pune, significantly advancing efforts to improve air quality in the city.
According to a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), a majority of Indian cities are falling short of meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Alarmingly, only 38 out of 131 cities in India managed to achieve their annual pollution reduction targets for the fiscal year 2021–22. This concerning scenario underscores the urgency for immediate action and comprehensive strategies to combat air pollution.
At the launch event, Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins Inc., the Chief Guest, emphasized, “Our commitment to improving lives and powering a more prosperous world through Cummins’ endeavors requires us to protect the planet. The initiation of the ‘Cleaner Air, Better Life’ (CABL) Pune program reflects this commitment, marking a pivotal moment in our collective journey toward a more sustainable world with cleaner air and an improved quality of life for our communities.”
Ashwath Ram, Chairman of the CII Cleaner Air Better Life initiative and Co-Convener, Cleaner Air Better Life, added, “CII’s ‘Cleaner Air Better Life’ (CABL) national initiative unites diverse stakeholders and changemakers on a common platform, dedicated to elevating air quality nationwide. We are thrilled to introduce the CABL program to Pune, envisioning enhanced air quality and a healthier environment for its residents. We hold the confidence that Pune will lead all National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities in India.” Speaking to an audience of over 180 attendees at the program’s launch at Maharshi Karve Stri Shikshan Sanstha (MKSSS) and Cummins College of Engineering for Women (CCEW), Pune.
Vikram Kumar, Municipal Commissioner of Pune Municipal Corporation and Co-Convener, Cleaner Air Better Life Pune, underscored Pune’s leadership in pioneering innovative clean air solutions, stating, “The Cleaner Air Better Life Pune marks a momentous milestone, harnessing the combined strength of government and private sector to combat air pollution. This convergence of efforts will enable us to formulate data-driven strategies yielding tangible advancements in air quality.”
Mangesh Dighe, Environment Officer at Pune Municipal Corporation, added, “This campaign stands as a critical stride toward sustainable development, effectively tackling air pollution.”
The initiative is set to deliver advanced decision support systems and pioneering pilot projects, fostering voluntary commitments from stakeholders to reduce air pollution, promoting adherence to existing policies, and advocating for new policies.
Launching the initiative, Seema Arora, Deputy Director General at CII, emphasized, “CII Cleaner Air, Better Life will leverage its own expertise and multi-stakeholder structure to mobilize resources within CII’s extensive network of partners and members, facilitating practical actions to enhance air quality while collaborating with governments to create an ecosystem for testing early-stage ideas at the grassroots level and validating scientifically sound concepts for citywide adoption.”
As part of the launch event, a “Clean Air: Mission Pune Ideathon” was conducted for students from Cummins College of Engineering for Women (CCEW). Participants were encouraged to creatively address the themes of Clean Transportation, Clean Industry and Construction, Clean City, and Clean Policies while considering technological feasibility, economic viability, and scalability. Anagha Kumar and Gauri Kalmath from CCEW’s team ‘Genspark’ secured the first prize for their ideas on public awareness and policy initiatives under the theme of clean policies. The winners were awarded a sponsored trip to New Delhi for the CII Sustainability Conclave along with a letter of recommendation from CII and Cummins leaders.
