ICLEI South Asia participated at a highly informative awareness workshop conducted by the Urban Environment Division of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) on May 30. The workshop aimed to sensitise officers, teachers, and other staff members about crucial environmental topics such as Greening Initiatives, Mission LiFE, and Air Pollution.

The workshop began with an enlightening discussion led by our team highlighting the current air quality scenario in Gurugram. Our team shared valuable insights into the air quality trend from January 2022 to December 2022, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The primary focus was to raise awareness among the audience about the detrimental effects of poor air quality on their daily lives. ICLEI South Asia’s session also emphasised the urgency of taking measures to improve the present situation. Participants were encouraged to engage in native plantation activities, forge partnerships with various stakeholders to collaborate on enhancing air quality, propose low emission zones near educational institutions, improve pedestrian movement, utilize green materials for walking paths, manage waste effectively, and employ the Miyawaki technique for native species plantation.

Additionally, GMDA was advised to expand its collaboration with research institutes and strengthen the analysis of data collected from air quality monitoring sensors installed throughout the city. Our recommendations included suggestions for the city to enhance its communication efforts by developing manuals and guidelines for different target groups, particularly during periods of severe or very poor air quality.

Distinguished guests, including Shri N.P Shukla, member of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Shri P. Raghavendra Rao, IAS (retd.), Chairman of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), and Shri Subhash Yadav, Additional CEO of the Urban Environment Division, GMDA, graced the occasion. Notable officers from the District Education and Forest Department were also in attendance. The event received an overwhelming response, with 400 district teachers and staff members actively participating in the workshop. The event served as an excellent platform for knowledge exchange and discussion, equipping participants with valuable insights into combating air pollution effectively.