Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav during the launch of Indore Clean Air Coalition. (Source: Sudhir Gore - Clean Air Catalyst)

Indore Municipal Corporation, U.S. Agency for International Development, and Clean Air Catalyst Launch Indore Clean Air Coalition

(Indore, July 31, 2024) The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Clean Air Catalyst, led by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Environmental Defense Fund, have launched the Indore Clean Air Coalition to reduce air pollution by promoting sustainable and equitable transportation solutions in the city.

This cross-sector coalition aims to raise awareness of pollution sources and their health impacts, amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and leverage members' influence to drive change. Its members across government, civil society, the private sector, and academia, will create a resilient platform for long-term air quality improvement.

“The launch of the Indore Clean Air Coalition marks a historic step towards our goal of a cleaner, healthier Indore,” said Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav during the inaugural function. “This collaboration will pave the way for innovative solutions to combat air pollution, putting into action our commitment to ensuring a sustainable, healthier future for our citizens,” Bhargav added.

IMC Commissioner, Shivam Verma, spoke about the IMC’s ongoing efforts towards improving air quality. "Our commitment to improving air quality in Indore is stronger than ever. The Indore Clean Air Coalition brings together the best minds and resources, enabling us to implement effective solutions that will benefit the health and well-being of our community," he said.

Warren Harrity, Acting Mission Director, USAID/India, said, “Cities are at the frontlines of a growing health and climate crisis. In India, USAID is developing local solutions with the government, communities, and the private sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants for better health, prosperity, and environment. USAID is proud to support this initiative, which will deliver interventions that lead to sustained progress on cleaner, healthier air in Indore city."

The Catalyst Senior Scientist and Director of Air Quality, WRI India, Dr. Prakash Doraiswamy, stated, "Today's launch is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Indore Clean Air Coalition is poised to make significant strides in air quality improvement by leveraging scientific expertise and community involvement. Together, we can achieve cleaner air and a healthier environment for all."

The Catalyst Project Lead, Kaushik Raj Hazarika, said, “The presence of distinguished guests and local stakeholders, who are committed to our cause of clean air, underscores the importance of our initiative. The Indore Clean Air Coalition will drive impactful changes by providing strategies and advisory for tailored solutions apart from being a platform for sharing success stories. We are excited to launch this collaboration towards cleaner air."

Air pollution in Indore is a growing concern, causing an estimated 2,400 deaths and 620 new childhood asthma cases annually. The collaborative efforts of USAID, IMC, the Catalyst, and new partners through the Coalition are crucial for addressing these health issues.

Today's program included a presentation on priority action items, featuring the Catalyst's role in addressing air pollution. Highlights included innovative approaches to reduce transportation-related pollution, such as low emission zones, public transport enhancements, and road dust management. Speakers shared successful initiatives from other cities that could be adapted in
Indore. Additionally, a presentation on the Indore Clean Air Coalition outlined its purpose, objectives, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders to tackle air quality issues, followed by an interactive session.

The Clean Air Catalyst program is working to support air quality management and planning efforts in Indore. With a focus on accelerating locally tailored solutions, it aims to mitigate air
pollution in Indore to holistically improve living conditions for the citizens.