As a part of its plan to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in 1000 plus cities in Asia, the Manila-based NGO has taken up the initiative in two cities that include Nagpur and Kochi. As a first step, the NGO, in association with local NGO Centre for Sustainable Development which is led by activist Leena Budhe, has organized a consultative multi-stakeholder meeting on air quality solution in the city on Friday.

Clean Air Asia's India director Prarthana Borah told TOI that the central government has made mandatory for local administrations to frame air quality action plan for their cities. "Air Quality Solutions in cities like Nagpur are essential as they can lead the way for developing clean air action pilot programmes and set an example for other cities. We do not have to wait for an apocalypse scenario, like what we see in Delhi every winter. Instead, long term planning is needed. It can contribute to better air quality and healthy lives in Indian urban areas," she said.

Borah added that Clean Air Asia has completed assessment of air quality management of Nagpur, Aurangabad and Pune in Maharashtra. "Based on this assessment, we will suggest building activities for Nagpur. We plan to bring together officials from the NMC, state government, major research institutes and other stakeholders including medical practitioners to discuss an inclusive strategy for air quality solution for Nagpur at the meeting organized on December 8 at 10.30am at Chitnavis Centre," she said.

NMC office bearers and officials from Smart City SPV Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL) will be present in the meeting. The NGO's initiative is likely to give birth to the first ever air quality action plan of the city. The NMC is only preparing environmental status report (ESR) every year and submitting with the state government. The civic body is yet to take any initiative for long term plan to control air pollution.

The NGO will be facilitating NMC officials to meet with technology providers France-based Faurecia Clean Mobility Limited, the company which developed innovative technology to reduce air pollution.

Budhe said air quality monitoring done roaming across the city can give exact status. "At present, city is utilizing conventional method to measure air quality. Machines are installed in specific locations and data is collected. New technology comprising mobile air censors have been invented and can help in framing measures in particular problematic areas and sectors. French team will give presentation of their technology at the meeting," she said.

Established in 2001, Clean Air Asia was founded by Asian Development Bank, World Bank and USAID. The NGO is working with ministries (energy, environment, health and transport), cities in Asia, private sector and development agencies to provide leadership and technical knowledge for Air Quality management. Clean Air Asia is headquartered in Manila and has offices in Beijing and New Delhi.