On 27th July, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) published a report of vital importance; “Environment Status Report (ESR), 2022-23”. And on the 9th of August, Punekars organized the #ChaloPMC protest, demanding better civic facilities. Concerned citizens, both individuals and groups, mohalla committee members and members from civil society organizations took an active part.
But one question that arises is this; are citizens well-informed about the latest developments, policies, and initiatives related to environmental conservation? The answer to this becomes crucial, as informed citizens are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to the cause they are passionate about. In today's world, where the impact of human activities on the environment is becoming increasingly evident, there is a growing community of concerned citizens who strive to make a positive difference. But the lack of knowledge and awareness in policy developments can hinder the effectiveness of the movement and limit the impact it can make. This article addresses one such gap in knowledge and strengthens the position of concerned citizens, by reviewing the annual Environment Status Report (ESR), 2022-23 of Pune.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has done a good job releasing this report since 1997-98! But surprisingly, one of the most critical problems faced by Punekars today has been missed! The city road traffic!
Why do Municipal Corporations publish an ESR?
To underscore the importance of informed action, it is essential to examine the historical context. In 1992, the Indian constitution introduced the 73rd and 74th Amendment Act that decentralized power, introducing a three-tier system of governance. This move aimed to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. These amendments introduced the concept of Panchayati Raj System (Gram Sabhas) for rural areas and Municipal Corporations (Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)) for urban areas. In the same year, the ‘Earth Summit’ conference at Rio discussed Agenda 21, a global action plan that emphasized sustainable development and highlighted the need for collective efforts to address environmental challenges.
The consequence of this is that cities also started publishing their Environment Status Report (ESR). But how many of them actually publish the ESR? Under the Article 67A of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations (MMC) Act, that replaced the earlier Bombay Provincial Municipal Corporations (BPMC) Act, the Commissioner shall, before 31st of July every year, place before the General Body of the Corporation, the Environment Status Report, which reports the status of the environment within the city in respect of the last preceding official year. But municipalities in many cities of Maharashtra, including Kolhapur and Amravati, have not been publishing the report regularly. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been publishing the report since 2013.1 The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has done a good job releasing this report since 1997-98! But surprisingly, one of the most critical problems faced by Punekars today has been missed! The city road traffic!
ESR report - a crucial political instrument for environmentally-awoke citizens
The potential of the ESR lies in its ability to inform and guide decision-making processes related to environmental policies and initiatives in the city. To unlock the true potential of these instruments, it is important to understand how they fit into the larger framework of governance. At the grassroots level, meetings are held at Mohalla Committee and Gram Sabha levels, where citizens can raise budgetary questions and gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved. However, it is crucial to assess how frequently these questions are raised and if these meetings are conducted regularly, with citizens who are informed of the current status of the environment of the city, indicating a need for increased citizen engagement.
The ‘Chalo PMC’ protest that took place recently saw letters written and submitted through Mohalla Committees, which serves as one such example of how concerned citizens can voice their opinions and grievances to the relevant authorities.
Unfortunately, India's rank is relatively low at 112 out of 166 countries. It is disheartening to see India stagnated in the development of sustainable cities and communities. We have deteriorating levels of particulate matter, no improvements in the road traffic deaths, and increased carbon emissions due to fossil fuel combustion.
India’s position in the global map on environment and sustainability
To understand the components of the ESR report and its basis, let us take a step back and look at India’s standing on the international stage concerning environmental issues and understand the factors of assessment. Various reports, including ‘The State of India’s Environment Report’ by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), as well as the forest survey reports, provide valuable insights. The UN's 2023 report ranks countries based on the set targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, India's rank is relatively low at 112 out of 166 countries.2 It is disheartening to see India stagnated in the development of sustainable cities and communities. We have deteriorating levels of particulate matter, no improvements in the road traffic deaths, and increased carbon emissions due to fossil fuel combustion.3
The reasons for this lower rank can be attributed to the country's performance in key SDGs, such as zero hunger (SDG 2), overall health (SDG 3), gender equality (SGD 5), and sustainable cities (SDG 11). These rankings are based on objective, transparent, and verifiable parameters that have been accessible to the public. This highlights the urgency to address these challenges and accelerate efforts toward sustainable and inclusive development. To address these challenges, it is crucial to apply the SDGs to cities like Pune and create comprehensive strategies that encompass all aspects of sustainable development.
In certain areas, India has shown positive progress and achieved notable successes. In the agricultural sector, the nature of crops, their output, and regenerative capacity have all improved, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing disruptions and uncertainties, the farm sector has managed to maintain its ground and continue contributing to the nation's food security. Our crops being cultivated largely under rain-fed conditions, India holds the distinction of being one of the largest producers of essential crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, groundnuts, as well as horticulture, oils, cotton, and other agricultural products. This indicates the country's significant agricultural prowess and self-sufficiency, which is a positive achievement.
India has shown rapid adaptation to climate change through the implementation of new technologies and the increased use of sustainable sources of energy, indicating a commitment to addressing environmental challenges. But there persist instances of unfairness and injustice in various spheres, including income disparities, unequal access to resources, opportunities and social inequalities.
In the global context, India has made commendable strides towards transitioning to a more sustainable and mixed system. Efforts have been made to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals in agriculture and promote the adoption of organic techniques. This approach indicates a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable farming practices. The balanced import and export levels also indicate a degree of self-sufficiency and economic stability. Furthermore, India has shown rapid adaptation to climate change through the implementation of new technologies and the increased use of sustainable sources of energy, indicating a commitment to addressing environmental challenges.
However, it is important to acknowledge that despite these positive achievements, there persist instances of unfairness and injustice in various spheres. This can be seen in issues such as income disparities, unequal access to resources and opportunities, and social inequalities. To truly make progress, it is crucial to address these systemic challenges and ensure that the benefits of development are equitably distributed across all sections of society. Achieving a more just and fair society requires ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers, promote inclusivity, and address the root causes of unfairness.
The flip side of things is that approximately 30,000 water bodies have been encroached upon. To compound matters, the staggering amount of solid waste being generated, a whopping 150,000 tonnes per day, poses a grave challenge, as half of it remains completely unattended. The situation exacerbates further when we consider the relentless surge in environmental crimes, with a daily tally of 245 cases landing in courts, overwhelming the National Green Tribunal (NGT). With everything under litigation, progress and resolution appear to be at a standstill. Industrial water and energy audit systems are being considered fairly well, as they have been accepted and normalized. Such audits are no longer seen as obstacles to development in the industrial sector.
Impact of COVID on Environment (ESR 2020-21)
The Environment Status Report (ESR) 2020-21 recognised "no-vehicles on the road" as a hypothetical situation, which was a dream come true, with the lockdown period recording reduced levels of air pollution in the city.
While the COVID-19 pandemic was still at its peak, the ESR reported the positive changes that were seen in the environment. with reduced levels of air, water and noise pollution. The report recognised no-vehicles on the road as a hypothetical situation which was a dream come true, with the lockdown period recording reduced levels of air pollution in the city.
The report also mentioned the Urban Street Design Guidelines, Public Parking Policy and the Comprehensive Pune Bicycle Plan, 2016. It covered the bicycle rallies and public awareness programs conducted by the PMC’s Bicycle Club. The sections also highlighted the future of development and improvement of transport infrastructure that complements the road traffic to create a safe transport system that keeps in mind impact on the environment.4
Pune’s current Environment Status (ESR 2022-23)
When we look at the Environment Status Report (ESR) 2022-23 of Pune, the report is holistic, incorporating many elements. The review of the ESR report of Pune sheds light on several critical factors that need attention in our current scenario. The report begins by acknowledging the importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the relevance of the BPMC Act 1949, authenticated by the PMC. Based on projections, the estimated population in 2023 is expected to reach 44.6 lakhs, which significantly affects service delivery. However, the demands have outpaced the responses, putting us in a perpetual catch-up game. This highlights the need for effective planning that takes into account population growth and allocates priorities accordingly.
Adding to the complexity, the recent addition of 11 villages to Pune has increased the population by 2.4 lakhs. The land use classification reveals that 13.66% of the land area is designated for roads. The report also presents a proposed land use pattern. Disturbingly, 28% of the population in Pune resides in slums, suggesting a dire need for improved living conditions and affordable housing solutions.5
In terms of disaster management, the report indicates that extensive plans, budgets, and employment have been allocated for handling floods. With 15 rain gauge stations equipped with 24x7 surveillance and a dedicated control room at the PMC building, the city is making efforts to monitor and respond effectively to flooding events. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has laid down rules, ensuring compliance with national standards for disaster management. Additionally, the installation of new flood sensors in rivers and nalas further aids in early warning systems and mitigation efforts.
While the ESR has well-tabulated the numbers, but has missed on bringing out the disparities which need to be addressed. The lack of metering in the city, where only one-third of the water is metered, poses challenges to water management and distribution in the city, with some parts of the city getting only 60 litres per capita per day, which is twice as less than the National Standard of 135!
Growing disparity in water resource
The priority for sustainable development in Pune needs to be focused on water management to curb the wastage and inefficient use of water resources in the region. The report highlights a concerning finding that 35 to 40% of the supplied water leaks or is stolen, resulting in non-revenue water. The growing demands require the creation of new canals to cater to these needs. Unfortunately, there are no mandated commercial projects for leak detection, which need to be addressed to reduce non-revenue water and optimize the existing supply. It's worth noting that the per capita availability of water is sufficient at 230 to 260 litres per capita per day.
The National Standard for Metro cities is 135 litres per capita per day. We are being provided almost twice as much water! Out of this only 30-40% of it is metered. The slums take only about 60 litres per capita per day, which is twice as less than the national standard of 135! How is this disparity possible? We have the same river, the same source and yet there are certain sections of the society who are getting more water than others. And the others are getting water which is far less than the set standard! While the ESR has well-tabulated the numbers but has missed out on bringing out the disparity that exists, which needs to be addressed.
The lack of metering in the city, where only one-third of Pune is metered, poses challenges to water management. The current water measurement stands at 30%, which highlights the need to increase metering and track water usage to address overdue and wasteful consumption of water. To this end, Pune has created RiverFront Development (RFD) project as part of its macro socio-economic framework, with a budget of 9 to 10 thousand crores which aims for a superficial beautification of the area. It's imperative to monitor and evaluate the utilization of these funds and the RFD to ensure sustainable development in the water sector in Pune. Effective management of water resources, coupled with innovative strategies to reduce wastage, can help Pune meet the growing demands and achieve sustainable development in the region, which addresses equity in resource distribution and reduces this socio-economic disparity that exists.
Another notable finding in the report is the total tree cover in the city, which amounts to 51,37,632 trees as recorded in the last census. This translates to an average of 1.1 trees per person, underscoring the importance of green spaces and the need to preserve and expand the tree cover in Pune. Additionally, the report mentions the existence of a People's Biodiversity Register for Pune, which highlights the city's efforts to document and protect its diverse ecosystem.
The report also discusses the Animal Birth Control program in Pune, which successfully controlled the population of street dogs by performing birth control procedures on 23,482 dogs in one year. Furthermore, the authorities have also been proactive in capturing and managing the pig population, with 14,495 pigs being caught. These initiatives demonstrate the city's commitment to promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
One of the major factors affecting the air quality of the city is due to the growing vehicular population.
Air Quality of Pune
In terms of air quality, the report provides data on the number of registered vehicles in Pune, with 2,55,757 new vehicles registered in 2022 alone. This information reflects the increasing vehicular pollution and emphasizes the need for sustainable transportation solutions within the city.
The report also assesses the levels of suspended dust and particulate matter (SPM) in the air, using the National Air Ambient Quality Standards established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2009 as a benchmark. It highlights that PM10 levels in the city, except for Pashan and Katraj, consistently exceed the prescribed limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter, with the highest levels observed in the Hadapsar area. Similarly, PM2.5 levels, along with the concentrations of CO, NO2, and SO2, are also reported. Notably, CO concentrations remain below the standard of 2 mg, while NO2 levels exceeded the permissible limit of 40 micrograms per cubic meter in three out of five zones, with a maximum reading of 58 micrograms per cubic meter. It is worth mentioning that O3 levels were consistently below the standard of 50 micrograms per cubic meter.
One of the major factors affecting the air quality of the city, as mentioned earlier, is due to the growing vehicular population. While mobility, rather sustainable mobility, is only one of the indicators under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a need to emphasize the importance of addressing this issue and recommend special attention be given to it in the report. It sets targets to be achieved in terms of improving air quality and reducing pollution levels in Pune. But the underlying cause of addressing vehicular traffic and congestion is somewhere lost.
Reporting Pune’s city road traffic - Missing!
Despite being a significant issue in Pune, the absence of specific mention of mobility in the ESR report raises concerns, especially considering the growing traffic problem in the city. The inadequacy of the public bus transportation system, support and provision for Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) such as walking and cycling infrastructure is not reported! There are only just about 28 buses per lakh population, against the standard of 55 buses required per lakh population!
In the entire length of the report, there is no chapter that addresses city road traffic and inadequacy of public transportation! Despite being a significant issue in Pune, the absence of specific mention of mobility raises concerns, especially considering the growing traffic problem in the city. The report mentions there are 2079 buses for a population of 44.5 lakhs, and that the standard is 55 buses per lakh population.6 The underlying calculation which has not been brought out in the report indicates that there aren’t enough buses. Since PMPML bus services cater to both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, with the population of both the cities together, there are only just about 28 buses per lakh population, against the standard of 55 buses!
The inadequacy of the public bus transportation system, support and provision for Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) such as walking and cycling infrastructure is not reported! The report fails to mention the current status of cycle infrastructure against the targets set in the Comprehensive Bicycle Plan. Although there is some mention of increased private vehicles registered in the city, lack of explicit attention to mobility limits effective interventions. It becomes crucial to prioritize mobility and address the challenges faced in road transport under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.2, and also consider incorporating mobility as an energy-related point under Goal 7, to promote low carbon mobility for a sustainable city.
In conclusion, the ESR report provides a comprehensive overview of various environmental factors in Pune, highlighting both achievements and areas that require attention and improvement. It serves as a valuable resource for informed decision-making and action to achieve sustainable development and informed citizen-led movements in the city. It is commendable that the report is made available to a wide audience, ensuring transparency and accountability. Pune stands out as one of the best-administered cities, with proactive participation from environmental activists in the decision-making process. However, there is room for improvement in terms of better informing the public about the context and encouraging a well-considered and balanced stand on environmental issues, including mobility, as a cross-sectional part.
For a successful outcome, the key note here is to delve in interactive negotiations and dialogue, between informed citizens and accountable authorities, for resolving disputes and conflicts, with a focus on finding middle-ground solutions that optimize outcomes. It is evident that Pune is making strides towards sustainable development, and with continued efforts and informed decision-making, the city can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.
By Vijay Paranjpye (President, Parisar Managing Committee)
References: