Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) conducted a capacity-building workshop on October 19, 2023. The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), in collaboration with Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), conducted a capacity-building workshop for the city officials of Gurugram, Haryana, with the objective of addressing air pollution in the city. The workshop was hosted by Shri Subhash Yadav IFS, Additional CEO (Urban Environment) GMDA, and Shri Raghavendra Rao IAS (Retd.), Chairman, HSPCB, was the chief guest, and Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav IAS, DC, Gurugram, was the Guest of Honour.
The workshop delved into multiple aspects of air pollution, including its causes, solutions, and the role that local government or city officials can play in addressing this critical issue. An in-depth analysis of the current air pollution scenario in both India and Gurugram was presented, shedding light on the specific challenges faced by the city. Representatives from APCTT, based on the research work of the organisation, shared best practices from cities like Seoul, South Korea, in its implementation of measures towards environmental sustainability, such as creation of green spaces and promotion of public transportation in the city.
In addition to these, the subject matter experts invited at the workshop gave a comprehensive presentation on the impact of air pollution on public health, emphasising the urgent need for an action to tackle this issue. Such discussions also underscored the technical specificities related to air quality, providing the city officials with a deeper understanding of the complex nature of air pollution. Action points were shared, reflecting pollution from six different sectors- Transport, Industry, Waste, Construction, Residential sources, and Dust.
The highlight of the event was the launch of the ‘City Action Plan For Net Zero Gurugram’ report, which provides technical insights for reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience while promoting the city’s economic development and sustainability. This report represents a critical step in India’s journey toward carbon neutrality and focuses on key sectors such as energy, transport, waste, and Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU). The report equips the city officials with the knowledge and strategies required to participate in the city’s efforts to combat air pollution effectively.
The Shakti team members, Vivek Chandran, Director, Climate Insights, Prasanth Narayan, Programme Manager, Cities, and Priti Shukla Programme Manager, Electric Mobility, played a pivotal role in developing this report, ensuring Gurugram’s future as a more sustainable and resilient city.