Air pollution remains a pressing concern in India, with 18 out of the 20 most polluted cities globally. Despite the Union government's efforts, a significant reduction in pollution levels is yet to be witnessed. The key to making tangible progress lies in empowering municipal corporations and district subdivision administrations, which handle approximately 60% of on-the-ground activities mandated by programs like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Here are six compelling reasons why municipal corporations should take the lead in India's battle against air pollution:
1. Local Engagement for Hyperlocal Solutions:
Municipal corporations need to place citizens, civil society, and industries at the core of interventions to mitigate air pollution. Local governments must actively engage with citizens, utilizing tech interfaces for reporting incidents and encouraging volunteerism. Guwahati's successful collaboration with civil society in door-to-door waste collection and disposal of biomedical waste serves as a model that should be identified and scaled up.
2. Capacity Building for Effective Action:
Municipal corporations and district subdivision administrations, alongside Pollution Control Boards (PCBs), require well-trained human resources and adequate infrastructure to effectively tackle air pollution. While information on visible pollution sources is generally up-to-date, capacity-building programs are crucial to equip officials with the skills needed to implement feasible local solutions.
3. Revisiting Finance Commission Grants:
The indicators and framework for the 15th Finance Commission grants need revision to induce sustainable changes at the community level. The current system, which ties grants to improvements in air quality, discourages essential investments in monitoring frameworks. A more balanced approach is needed to ensure that cities aren't pushed into deprivation and don't compromise on reported data in the pursuit of incentives.
4. Customized Approaches for Unique Cities:
Every city is unique, influenced by factors such as population, economic activities, and geography. Each city must identify its local sources of pollution through source apportionment and emission inventory studies. Despite NCAP mandates, only 37 out of 132 non-attainment cities have completed such studies. Reinforcing the need for these local studies is essential for crafting effective, customized strategies to combat air pollution.
5. Dynamic Governance for Dynamic Challenges:
Air pollution control demands a collaborative inter-sectoral and decentralized governance approach. By enhancing the efficiency of municipal corporations, India can better address the dynamic nature of air pollution challenges. A focus on dynamic governance ensures adaptability to changing circumstances and the ability to implement effective solutions promptly.
6. Leveraging the 74th Amendment:
The 74th amendment provides a basic framework for the decentralization of powers to municipal bodies. Identifying and addressing specific gaps hindering the realization of this amendment is crucial. Tailored capacity-building efforts in these areas will empower municipal bodies, allowing them to efficiently allocate resources for essential services like education, healthcare, and safe drinking water, ultimately improving citizens' quality of life.
In conclusion, putting municipal corporations at the forefront of India's air pollution battle is not just a strategic move but a necessity. It requires a multifaceted approach, including citizen engagement, capacity building, financial restructuring, and customized strategies for each city. By empowering local bodies, India can pave the way for a cleaner and healthier future for its citizens.
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