Pune Air Action Hub Seeks Use Of ₹105 Crore For Cleaner Air

Pune's Pune Air Action Hub has proposed utilizing the remaining ₹105.25 crore in unspent air-quality funds from the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and 15th Finance Commission grants. These recommendations were submitted to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram after the Maharashtra Environment and Climate Change Department urged the civic body to expedite fund usage.

The PMC has already allocated ₹166.24 crore from the grants disbursed between 2020-21 and 2025-26, leaving ₹105.25 crore unspent. The Hub has advised the PMC to use the funds across various sectors contributing to air pollution, such as transport, construction, open burning, and crematoria. Additionally, it recommends establishing an Air Quality Cell to strengthen the city's air-quality governance.

The Hub's suggestions are based on recent Environment Status Report data, emphasizing the importance of strengthening enforcement systems in sectors like open burning, construction violations, and highly polluting vehicles. Hub member Ravindra Sinha stressed the significance of dedicated and persistent enforcement to control these pollution sources.

Hub member Hema Chari cautioned against hasty fund spending to meet deadlines, urging transparent and accountable allocations based on data, expected outcomes, and clear timelines. The Hub has also called for publicizing the proposed allocations after consultations with stakeholders.