Pune Air Action Hub Urges PMC To Enhance Environment Status Report, Citing Gaps In Air Pollution Data
Pune Air Action Hub Urges PMC To Enhance Environment Status Report, Citing Gaps In Air Pollution Data
The Pune Air Action Hub (PAAH), a coalition of civil society groups, researchers, and concerned citizens, has urged the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to enhance the city’s annual Environment Status Report (ESR). In a letter to the PMC, PAAH highlighted significant gaps in the current report, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive data to combat air pollution.
According to Sharmila Deo, PAAH member, “The current ESR lacks crucial information.” PAAH has requested additional data, including implementation of the graded response action plan, crematorium emissions, waste burning, fuel consumption, and electric mobility data, to be included in the ESR. This comprehensive data will enable informed decision-making and effective environmental policies.
PAAH also stressed the importance of comprehensive air quality monitoring, including data from all installed monitors by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). This will provide a more accurate picture of Pune’s air quality.
Another concern raised by PAAH is the inaccurate comparison of vehicle registration numbers. Pushkar Kulkarni, PAAH member, explained, “The ESR states that vehicle registrations are lower compared to 2023, but this is misleading as it compares the entire 2023 data with just seven months of 2024.” PAAH suggests breaking down vehicle registration data into categories like 2-wheelers, cars, buses, and autos to identify trends.
Transparency in tree cutting and transplantation data is also a key concern for PAAH. Deo added, “The ESR mentions the number of trees in Pune, but it’s essential to include data on tree cutting applications, applicant profiles, and transplantation outcomes.” This data will help track the effectiveness of Pune’s tree conservation efforts.
By addressing these gaps, PAAH aims to promote informed decision-making and effective environmental policies in Pune. Kulkarni concluded, “We hope our recommendations will be considered to improve the ESR’s comprehensiveness and accuracy, leading to better environmental management in the city.”
PAAH’s key recommendations include:
- Comprehensive air quality monitoring data
- Detailed tree cutting and transplantation data
- Accurate vehicle registration comparisons
- Inclusion of graded response action plan implementation
- Data on crematorium emissions, waste burning, fuel consumption, and electric mobility
These recommendations will significantly enhance Pune’s Environment Status Report, enabling data-driven solutions to combat air pollution and promote sustainability.
