From Grey To Green: The Urgency Of Ecological Urbanisation In India
Source: Giving the urban Indian a better life (The Hindu, November 6, 2023)
The Cost of Dirty Air
World Cities Day((October 31) reminds us of the need for sustainable urban finances. Money spent wisely can improve city living conditions and safety. Sadly, pollution is shortening our lives significantly.
- Startling Statistics: A study by The Energy Policy Institute at Chicago reveals worrying figures. Among the world’s 50 most polluted cities, 39 are in India. Life expectancy drops due to pollution, with Indians losing an average of 5.3 years.
- The Impact on Delhi’s Residents: For Delhiites, the situation is even more dire. People here could live almost 12 more years if air quality improved.
- Need for Policy Change: This alarming information is a wake-up call for policy reform. Actions are needed to protect the future of our cities.
Sustainable Urbanisation in India
- The Need for Change: Indian cities face severe pollution due to the current approach to urban development. The focus has shifted towards real estate and larger roads for more vehicles, neglecting pedestrian space. These practices have resulted in increased pollution levels.
- Main Pollution Contributors: Pollution sources in these cities include road dust, concrete plants, and polluting industries within city limits. Vehicle emissions contribute to a staggering 60% of this urban pollution.
- Decline in Green Spaces: Green areas such as city parks, water bodies, and urban farms are decreasing as more ‘grey’ infrastructure is built. It’s essential to balance out this development to protect the environment.
- Traffic and Construction Concerns: Building wider roads has led to more cars and traffic jams, worsening air quality. Construction, particularly in the National Capital Region, is a notable source of this pollution, accounting for about 10% of it. There’s a lack of effective monitoring and control over these construction activities.
Mitigating Urban Pollution
- Promoting Public Transport: To reduce pollution, we must improve our public transportation networks. Towns and cities should invest in an expanded bus system. A congestion tax could be introduced for those who choose to drive private cars during busy hours.
- Regulating Traffic Flow: Alternatives like the odd-even number-plate system could regulate the number of cars on the road. Additionally, adopting car-free days would be a positive step that influential figures and policymakers can support.
- Preventing Industrial Pollution: Tighter controls on industrial pollution are necessary. Real-time pollution monitoring should be standard practice, and citizens should take a more active role in street level supervision, supported by local authorities.
- Preserving Urban Spaces: Urban spaces like parks and water bodies must be safeguarded from private encroachment. It is crucial that communities protect and enhance these public assets.
- Empowering Citizens: Long-term solutions will come from empowering citizens, not from temporary fixes like smog towers. Pollution guidelines should be widely distributed, and adherence to standard operating procedures must be integrated into city life.