Pune News: PCMC Partners with UK Experts to Plan Low Emission Zones and Tackle Urban Air Pollution
Pune News: PCMC Partners with UK Experts to Plan Low Emission Zones and Tackle Urban Air Pollution
Technical workshop with UK experts focuses on planning tools, data strategies, and stakeholder engagement for sustainable transport solutions
Pimpri: In a significant step towards combating urban air pollution, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), in collaboration with the British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai and Transport for London (TfL), conducted a four-day technical workshop on Low Emission Zones (LEZs). The initiative brought together global expertise and local governance to explore practical frameworks for planning and implementing LEZs in Indian cities.
Held between 2 and 5 June, the workshop served as a knowledge exchange platform to discuss how cities like Pimpri Chinchwad can adopt targeted measures to reduce vehicular emissions. Sessions included discussions on stakeholder mapping, public consultations, behavioural change strategies, data collection and analysis, monitoring mechanisms, and integration of pedestrian- and cycle-friendly infrastructure.
The concluding session was chaired by PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, who highlighted the importance of collaborative, data-driven and citizen-inclusive approaches for long-term urban sustainability. Singh noted that the workshop’s insights would help strengthen the city’s future pollution control policies.
The workshop featured key sessions on stakeholder mapping and participation planning, public engagement and behavioural change, data, monitoring and evaluation, and supporting infrastructure for LEZs.
To complement the technical sessions, participants visited key locations in Pimpri Chinchwad including, Linear garden street, Balewadi E-bus depot, and Pimpri Market Area and ICCC at Nigdi.
The workshop saw participation from British Deputy High Commissioner Jamie Scatergood; PCMC Additional Commissioner Vijaykumar Khorate; City Engineer Makarand Nikam; Chief Engineer Sanjay Kulkarni; Chief Information and Technology Officer Nilkanth Poman; Smart City CEO Kiranraj Yadav; Deputy Commissioner Anna Bodade; and officers from Transport for London, UK PACT, Traffic Police, PMPML, Pollution Control Board, MahaMetro, and leading mobility organisations like ITDP and Global Traffic Solutions.
“This workshop marked a key milestone in Pimpri Chinchwad’s journey towards adopting Low Emission Zones as a practical solution to tackle vehicular pollution. The discussions and field visits enabled a rich exchange of ideas that balance technology, governance, and citizen participation.”
— Shekhar Singh, Commissioner, PCMC
