Pune took a significant step toward a greener future as the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission and non-profit organization Cenex, recently hosted a pioneering workshop focused on Low Emission Zones (LEZs). This insightful event, which unfolded on a Thursday, aimed to offer guidance on implementing LEZs in the area, drawing inspiration from the United Kingdom’s wealth of experience and real-world case studies.
The workshop brought together key figures and officials, with notable attendees including PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Steve Carroll, Head of Transport at CENEX UK.
In his opening address, Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted the PCMC’s unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility. He pointed to notable initiatives like “Harit Setu” and an Electric Vehicle readiness plan as evidence of the corporation’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Singh acknowledged the unique challenges posed by introducing LEZs in a rapidly growing city like Pimpri-Chinchwad. He stressed the importance of a gradual, data-driven approach, embracing technology, and actively involving citizens in the process.
Singh also shed light on PCMC’s ongoing collaborations with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, businesses, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the local community. Together, they are working tirelessly to combat the critical issue of reducing pollution levels in the area.
Steve Carroll from Cenex provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of the progress made in developing the toolkit and city-specific action plans. The workshop was designed to foster active participation during breakout sessions, enabling the collection of valuable feedback to refine the toolkit. Moreover, it sought to identify and address potential barriers to the effective implementation of the action plan.
