Discussion paper recommending nationwide clean air mission framework launched

A discussion paper launched today at the first day of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2018 has recommended a nationwide clean air mission framework (CAM) to meet the prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards.
The summit, being organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), brings together global stakeholders and decision makers with participation from over 41 countries and would be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow.
We now have the triple priorities to enhance lives, achieve resource efficiency and minimise waste as we surely and steadily move towards a future where the world is environmentally, economically and socially better, safe and clean," said Dr Ajay Mathur, Director-General, TERI while welcoming the delegates.

A key thematic track during the summits first day was Cleaning Air in Indian Cities where the discussion paper, Measures to Control Air Pollution in Urban Centres of India, was launched.
The paper offers a comprehensive roadmap to identify sources of emissions mapped by sectors across India and to find sustainable solutions for their reduction.
The session focused on the need for more stringent air pollution control standards India and the urgent need to align with WHO standards.

It must be recognised that different measures are needed for different sectors across cities in India. The discussion paper recommends a nationwide clean air mission framework (CAM) to meet the prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards," said Sumit Sharma, Associate Director, TERI, said elaborating on the discussion paper.

The paper elaborates on city-specific strategic solutions, which include city planning, controlling refuse burning, maintaining quality and cleanliness of roads, dust control at construction sites, travel demand management and reforms in public transportation among several other across the country in a stipulated time frame.
Prashant Gargava of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the air quality index is a game changer as citizens have started talking about changing levels of pollution and the resultant impact on their health.
Enforcement is a key issue until better infrastructure is put in place and a national-level roadmap therefore needs to be envisioned, he added.

Over 2000 delegates are expected to participate over three days at the summit, including policy makers, researchers, think tanks, diplomats and representatives from both Indian and global corporations at WSDS 2018 .
Professor Jeffrey David Sachs, Director, Earth Institute, Columbia University, delivered the keynote address.