Transforming Air Quality: Mayor Bhargav’s Strategic Plans for Indore’s Clean Air Coalition

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav during the launch event for Indore Clean Air Coalition | Source: Clean Air Catalyst

By Sudhir Gore, August 27, 2024

Indore: At the highly anticipated launch of the Indore Clean Air Coalition, mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav delivered a powerful speech, setting the tone for a new phase of environmental stewardship in the city. With a focus on practical solutions and public participation, the mayor unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at improving Indore's air quality and positioning the city as a leader in clean air efforts.

"When I became the mayor, the first question I was asked was, 'what is thenext goal for Indore after being named the cleanest city in the country?'" Mayor Bhargav began. "As a law student and social activist, I always believed that our work would be futile unless we provided clean air to breathe, that is why in my first speech, I said that clean Indore will also become number one in clean air."

The mayor recounted his early days in office, highlighting a pivotal meeting with the Clean Air Catalyst team, which laid the foundation for the city's clean air initiatives. "Just two days after becoming mayor, Clean AirCatalyst held a meeting at the city bus office. They presented their extensive research and an implementation plan to improve the city’s air quality index. I was very pleased to know that research was already underway."

Mayor Bhargav emphasized the importance of addressing the three primary causes of air pollution in Indore: solid waste, traffic emissions, and industrial pollution, the latter being the largest contributor. He acknowledged the critical role of the Indian government, the Madhya Pradesh government, and the Pollution Control Board in tackling industrial pollution, stating, "it is gratifying to know that the Pollution Control Board and other institutions have issued various parameters, guidelines, and circulars for air pollution control."

The mayor has been especially keen to tackle transport sector air pollution in Indore. He highlighted past efforts to reduce traffic pollution, such as the successful "Car-Free Day" initiative, which is now an annual event in the city. "Clean Air Catalyst and the team have included this in their agenda," he noted, stressing the importance of continuing such initiatives.

Looking ahead, mayor Bhargav outlined ambitious plans for the coalition. "In the meeting on July 29, 2024, some plans were presented which made me very happy, leading to today’s program—the Indore Clean Air Coalition launch. Indore is known worldwide for public participation and coalitions. Our initiatives related to clean air also made us number one in the country. Therefore, the Indore Clean Air Coalition was created to continue to move this forward."

One of the key Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) initiatives discussed by mayor Bhargav during the Clean Air Coalition launch was a mega traffic awareness campaign that began on August 5. "Throughout the year, Indore city will conduct daily campaigns on traffic awareness, helmet awareness, and rules to be followed at intersections," mayor Bhargav said. He also revealed that 1,000 volunteers have been registered to engage with school and college students as part of the campaign.

Mayor Bhargav's commitment to tangible results was evident as he discussed the goals set for the coalition. "In my budget speech on July 30, 2024, I mentioned that we will reduce pollution and improve the air quality index at 10 locations in the city within the next eight months. Various initiatives, including programs to raise awareness about reducing pollution from the transport sector, will be undertaken. Clean Air Catalyst will provide technical support for these efforts , and we will all work together to execute them."

In his concluding remarks, mayor Bhargav called for a focus on achievable goals. "Even if we do little, we should set two or three small goals and achieve them within the next eight months. For example, reducing pollution at one intersection or improving the air quality index by regulating traffic in a small area will make our efforts meaningful."

Mayor Bhargav assured the Coalition of IMC's support, both financially and logistically, and encouraged stakeholders to set a clear target for the coming months. "The team launching the Coalition is doing so to show results. Let us set a small I objective and publicize that we will achieve it in the next eight months.”