In response to a recent news report highlighting a persistent air quality crisis, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has issued a clarion call for collective action from both citizens and civic authorities in Nagpur. The move comes after a Times of India (TOI) report on January 8, 2025, revealed that the city's air quality remained poor for nearly half of the year.
Beyond Industries: The Everyday Sources of Pollution
MPCB officials clarified that the blame for Nagpur's polluted air cannot be placed solely on industrial activity. They emphasized that routine daily activities contribute significantly to the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI). These include the excessive reliance on private vehicles, poor maintenance of automobiles, the open burning of waste, unchecked dust from construction sites, and a general lack of energy-efficient practices in homes and businesses.
To tackle these diverse sources, the pollution control board has circulated a comprehensive list of dos and don'ts for Nagpur's residents. The guidelines specifically target major problem areas: vehicular emissions, municipal solid waste management, plastic usage, construction norms, energy conservation, and household air pollution.
MPCB's Citizen-Centric Action Plan
A significant part of the MPCB's advisory focuses on reducing pollution from vehicles, a primary culprit in urban areas. Citizens have been strongly urged to cut down on private car and bike usage. The board recommends adopting greener alternatives like walking, cycling, carpooling, and public transport.
For vehicle owners, MPCB provided a checklist for responsible ownership:
- Ensure a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is always in place.
- Regularly clean and replace air and oil filters.
- Remove carbon deposits from silencers to improve efficiency.
- Maintain proper tyre pressure to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
- Switch off engines at traffic signals to prevent idling pollution.
The board also cautioned against driving during peak congestion hours and carrying out any unauthorized mechanical modifications that can increase a vehicle's emissions.
Authority's Appeal for Public Cooperation
MPCB Regional Officer Hema Deshpande stressed that public cooperation is the most crucial element for turning the tide. She expressed confidence that the situation could improve dramatically if every individual takes responsibility.
"AQI can drastically improve if every citizen fulfils their duty of keeping a clean environment," Deshpande stated. She assured that as the regulatory authority, MPCB is actively monitoring the situation and implementing corrective measures. However, she reiterated that sustainable change requires a partnership between the people and the governing bodies.
The board's message is clear: improving Nagpur's air is not just a government mandate but a shared civic responsibility. The detailed guidelines serve as a practical roadmap for residents to contribute directly to a cleaner, healthier city, promising that collective and consistent action can yield rapid and visible results.
