Indian National Congress:
Environment and ClimateChange 

Congress promises an action agenda that will place India at the forefront of the battle against global warming and environmental protection. We recognise that air pollution is a national public health emergency and will significantly strengthen the National Clean Air Programme. Forests, wildlife, water bodies, rivers, clean air and coastal zones are precious natural resources that belong to the people and we will protect them. We will set up an independent, empowered and transparent Environment Protection Authority, redefine the role of the Forest Departments and increase our forest cover.

Parisar has been actively engaging with different stakeholders over the last few years for creating awareness about air pollution, alongside policy advocacy for it with the PMC and other related authorities. Air pollution being a multi-sectoral issue, it seemed only logical for people working in various sectors like health, waste management, education, mobility, gender equality, and corporates to come together to work on it. Parisar initiated the formation of the “Pune Air Action Hub” to take up issues and actions with the aim to reduce air pollution in the city and to minimise the health impacts on citizens.

The Pune Air Action Hub released a report on the incidence of waste burning in the city and a review of the grievance redressal mechanism of PMC for the same. The report includes a citizen survey indicating that waste burning is rampant in most areas of the city, along with observance of chronic spots. Even so citizens seem unaware of the complaint mechanisms, pointing to the need for awareness about the same. That being said, an independent analysis of complaints lodged showed delay in response to waste burning complaints and other gaps in the process.