The Gujarat government has also initiated a full-fledged City Clean Air Action plan in Gandhinagar, in an attempt to solve air pollution in urban areas and enhance the health of the population. The scheme, which will be deployed within five years, is included in the overall program of the state towards having sustainable urban development and to provide the residents with a cleaner environment. The administration of Gandhinagar has identified the management of air quality as one of its initiatives, with the growing levels of pollution due to vehicular pollution, industrial activity, and the dust produced in the process of construction.
The plan is largely concerned with traffic and vehicle management. Special drives will be made by the authorities to inspect and control the older vehicles with special attention to those above the age of 15 years that contribute a great deal to air pollution. The plan also encourages the usage of cleaner fuels and the enhancement of public transport to minimize emissions from vehicles in the city.
Industrial emission control is also laid down in the action plan. The inspections and tightening of the environmental laws will make sure that industries will limit the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This involves checking emissions by the factories and promoting cleaner technologies to lessen the total environmental footprint.
Another important element of the plan is dust control measures. The primary source of particulate matter (construction sites) will be expected to adhere to the best practices that include water spraying, materials covering, and minimizing the number of open dirt areas. The steps are intended to minimize the quantity of dust finding its way to the atmosphere and affecting the health of the residents.
Besides the regulation of pollution, the plan emphasizes the management of waste and the increase in green cover. A better waste collection and disposal system will stop the open burning of waste, which is one of the key contributors to harmful smoke. In the meantime, the green cover of the city can be increased through new plantations and urban forests that will affect the air quality in the long term by absorbing pollutants.
The Gujarat government has invested 286 crores in the execution of this action plan, which will be applied in the infrastructural development, enforcement of laws, surveillance, and social education. The plan will be implemented by the Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation, which will liaise with state agencies and stakeholders in order to make it a successful plan.
The positive impact of this is the anticipated high decrease in the air pollution levels, leading to healthier people, a better life and a sustainable urban environment. Gandhinagar can become a model city in terms of air quality management by addressing its vehicle, industries and construction emissions and encouraging the use of green initiatives. The City Clean Air Action Plan is a significant milestone in the way of environmental guardianship as the government is keen on safeguarding its inhabitants and setting a precedent for other cities in Gujarat and India.
