Javadekar chairs first ever webinar on Int'l Clean Air Day, calls for switch to EVs

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, while chairing the first-ever International Day of Clean Air, urged people to opt for electronic vehicles to reduce air pollution. Javadekar also explained about the initiatives taken by India to curb air pollution.

New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar chaired the webinar of the first-ever International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, on Monday, where he explained about the initiatives taken by India to curb air pollution. He also urged the people to opt for electronic vehicles which can help to reduce air pollution at much faster pace.

Underscoring the problem of Air Pollution in India, the Union Minister said that after the launch of Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring, the levels of pollution are being tracked on eight parameters and the Ministry is trying to achieve the goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day Speech, of holistic improvement of Air Quality of 100 cities.

He said, "India is now have migrated to BS-VI standards, quality petrol and diesel is being provided in the country, which is an important initiative to fight against pollution."

In January 2019, the Ministry of Environment launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), targeting to achieve 20-30 percent reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 2024. The plan had identified 102 non-attainment cities across 23 states and union territories. However, 20 more cities were included in the list later, based on the latest data trend on air quality.

Javadekar stressed upon the idea of States working with city-specific plans, saying, "Every city has a different source of pollution. Brick kilns in various states should adopt zig-zag technology to reduce pollution. The use of Electric vehicle should be encouraged. Carpooling and use of public transport should also be encouraged."

He further added, "We should learn from other cities. Indore has been the cleanest city since 4 years. Other cities should send their teams to Indore to learn about the city's success in maintaining cleanliness throughout."

The webinar was also attended by Commissioners of 122 cities as identified in NCAP programme.

"We need to work together to be part of solution. Central Government, State Governments, Corporations should work together. Acceptance of a problem is beginning of the solution. People's participation is essential for city-specific solution to curb pollution," Javadekar asserted.