Under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), in collaboration with Parisar, Centre for Environment Education (CEE), and Prayas Health Group, successfully conducted three intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) workshops across multiple municipal zones in Pune. These workshops were designed to sensitise internal stakeholders, including Sanitation Inspectors (SIs), Deputy Sanitation Inspectors (DSIs), Ward Medical Officers, Engineers, and administrative officials from all administrative zones across Pune.
Three capacity-building workshops for PMC officials were conducted on 15 May 2025, 15 July 2025, and 24 September 2025, respectively. These sessions focused on strengthening the understanding of key aspects of air quality management, associated public health impacts, and the role of ward-level administration in effective implementation and community outreach. The workshops featured comprehensive technical sessions delivered by experts from collaborating institutions and the Pune Municipal Corporation, addressing the scientific, administrative, financial, and community dimensions of air quality management.
Public Health Implications
Dr. Ritu Parchure and Ms. Vaishali Dongre from Prayas Health Group presented detailed insights into the health impacts of air pollution. The sessions highlighted the strong association between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and diseases such as stroke, COPD, lung cancer, cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, and neonatal complications. Particular emphasis was placed on the heightened vulnerability of children, the elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and individuals with pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions. The speakers underscored the importance of maintaining air quality within the ‘Good’ AQI category to safeguard public health.
Understanding Air Quality and Pune’s Action Plan
Mr. Ranjit Gadgil from Parisar provided an overview of major pollution sources in Pune, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, waste burning, and industrial activities. The session explained National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), interpretation of the Air Quality Index (AQI), and findings from Emission Inventory and Source Apportionment studies specific to Pune. He also discussed Pune’s status as a non-attainment city under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), emphasising the need for sustained, data-driven interventions.
Mitigation Planning and Systems Approach
Mr. Kunal Jaiswal from the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) emphasised a systems-based approach to air quality management. He addressed potential unintended consequences of infrastructure decisions and highlighted sustainable mitigation strategies across transport, construction, and waste management sectors. The session reinforced the importance of precautionary, long-term planning aligned with environmental sustainability and public health objectives.
NCAP Framework and Financial Provisions
Ms. Lekha Dhote, Consultant with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), outlined the objectives, targets, and financial mechanisms under NCAP and the 15th Finance Commission. Her session clarified PMC’s responsibilities in implementing particulate matter reduction strategies, strengthening monitoring systems, and expanding public awareness initiatives.
Municipal Initiatives and Implementation
Ms. Ashwini Yadav, Educational Officer, PMC, presented ongoing and proposed municipal initiatives for air pollution mitigation. These included dust control measures, strengthening solid waste management systems, promotion of non-motorised transport, and enhancement of urban green cover.
Interactive Capacity-Building Activities
Each workshop included structured group activities designed to evaluate air quality action points under NCAP and 15th Finance Commission guidelines based on cost and impact parameters. Participants collectively assessed short-term and long-term interventions. The exercises enabled officials to:
- Identify low-cost, high-impact interventions suitable for immediate implementation.
- Recognise operational challenges in solid waste management and enforcement.
- Strengthen inter-departmental coordination and prioritisation frameworks.
Across all sessions, the workshops achieved the following outcomes:
- Enhanced understanding of the health implications of air pollution.
- Improved technical knowledge of AQI interpretation, emission data, and pollution source mapping.
- Greater recognition of vulnerable population groups at the ward level.
- Strengthened clarity on roles and responsibilities under NCAP implementation.
- Improved capacity for strategic prioritisation of mitigation measures.
- Reinforced awareness of enforcement mechanisms and citizen engagement platforms.
The series successfully fostered a shared institutional understanding of air quality challenges and practical mitigation pathways within PMC’s internal departments.