Clean Air For All

Clean Air For All

Waatavaran Foundation has a bold and ambitious vision to ensure that all cities in India can breathe clean air. This vision is driven by the urgent need to address the growing air pollution crisis that plagues 133 urban centers across the country. Recognizing the significant impact of air pollution on public health, the environment, and overall quality of life, Waatavaran is spearheading a multi-pronged approach to transform the air quality landscape in India. Waatavaran believes that effective air quality management starts with robust monitoring and data collection. The foundation aims to work with local and state governments to expand the network of air quality monitoring stations in cities, ensuring comprehensive data coverage. This data will inform evidence-based policymaking and the development of tailored, city-specific air pollution control strategies. Waatavaran understands that achieving clean air requires the active participation and support of citizens. We aim to engage with local communities through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and empowerment programs. This will encourage citizens to adopt eco-friendly practices, participate in air quality monitoring, and advocate for stronger air pollution control measures.

Waatavaran follows the strategic approach of a CPR model i.e. Campaign, Policy And Research to mitigate air pollution.

Activities by Waatavaran Foundation:

1. Waatavaran Mitr Fellowship Programme

The Waatavaran Mitr Fellowship Program is an initiative by Waatavaran Foundation to build capacity within communities to address the issue of air pollution in non-attainment cities of Maharashtra. The program was launched in November 2021 in five cities – Solapur, Latur, Chandrapur, Aurangabad, and Ulhasnagar. Under this 4-month fellowship, two young fellows from each city were trained to develop their understanding of air quality, relevant policies, and the societal implications of air pollution. The fellows engaged with communities, organizations, and government officials to raise awareness, set up a low-cost air quality monitoring network, and track the implementation of clean air action plans. The program had a significant impact, with over 370,000 citizens gaining access to real-time air quality data through 20 air quality monitors installed by the fellows. They reached out to 885 individuals, including students and adults, and interacted with 77 government officials to discuss the air pollution issues. The Waatavaran Mitr Fellowship has emerged as a successful model in the air pollution sector, creating a ripple effect in the cities. Even after the program ended, the fellows, communities, and stakeholders continue to take steps to address air pollution, demonstrating the sustainable impact of this initiative. The learnings from the program, such as the importance of diverse stakeholder engagement, the benefits of having two fellows per city, and the need for a hybrid training model, will inform the future iterations of the Waatavaran Mitr Fellowship to further strengthen the clean air movement in Maharashtra.

Waatavaran Mitr – Learning Report (Click here to download the report)

2. Chandrapur Air Quality Report

The Chandrapur Air Quality Monitoring Report provides a comprehensive assessment of the air quality situation in Chandrapur, a city in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. Chandrapur, known as the “City of Black Gold,” has a thriving industrial base centered around coal, cement, and steel industries, which has led to significant environmental degradation and air pollution challenges.

The average PM2.5 levels recorded across three monitoring locations in Chandrapur was 81.7 μg/m3, exceeding both the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the WHO standards. The monitor placed at the Mahakali Colliery Quarters recorded the highest average PM2.5 levels of 125.4 μg/m3, indicating this area as a significant pollution hotspot. The data analysis revealed that PM2.5 levels spiked sharply during the early morning (4 AM to 8 AM) and evening (6 PM) hours, suggesting that domestic coal burning is a major contributor to air pollution in the city.

The Chandrapur Air Quality Monitoring Report serves as a critical evidence-based document to galvanize action and drive sustainable solutions to improve the city’s air quality and protect the health of its citizens.

Chandrapur Air Quality Report (Click here to download the report)

3. Kharghar Taloja Panvel Air Quality Report

The Kharghar Panvel Taloja Air Quality Report paints a concerning picture of the air pollution crisis in the MMR region. The report, which analyzed air quality data over a sustained period, reveals a deeply troubling finding – residents in this area are exposed to poor air quality for a staggering 17 hours out of the 24-hour day.

During the monitoring period, the PM2.5 concentrations were found to be 2-3 times higher than the NAAQS limit of 60 μg/m³. The report highlights that residents are breathing in severely polluted air for the majority of their waking hours. The analysis pinpoints specific locations within the Kharghar Panvel Taloja industrial corridor that emerge as major pollution hotspots, with alarmingly high PM2.5 levels. These hotspots require targeted interventions to address the source of emissions. Prolonged exposure to such high levels of particulate matter has serious implications for the health and well-being of the local population. This poses a significant public health crisis that demands urgent attention and action.

The Kharghar Panvel Taloja Air Quality Report serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the severe consequences of unchecked air pollution on the health and quality of life of the residents. It calls for immediate and concerted action from policymakers, industry, and the community to address this pressing environmental and public health challenge.

Kharghar Taloja Panvel Air Quality Report​ (Click here to download the report)

4. Billboard that Breathes

The ‘Billboard that Breathes’ is a simple yet impactful, visual public engagement tool. It is designed to raise awareness about the increasing levels of air pollution and its impact on human health.

These massive faux lungs are made of filter medium, that traps the dust and other pollutants in the air. A pair of fans fitted behind the lungs provide a suction effect, mimicking the act of breathing. Over time, the filter medium changes colour, from white to grey to black (subject to levels of air pollution). An air quality monitor (AQM), placed alongside displays the Air Quality Index (AQI) in real-time.

5. Breathless: An Artistic Call to India’s Air Pollution Crisis

The Breathless photo project hopes to humanise what seems like an amorphous, seasonal and regional problem to many. It aims to tell stories that help connect town to city and sources of pollution, while introducing us to ordinary people resisting extraordinary pollution.

Shot by photographer Ishan Tankha, with stories penned by award-winning journalist Aruna Chandrasekhar, featuring VR, data art and music by Singer – Songwriter Ankur Tewari followed by a music video release on Air Pollution by Artists Originals— ‘Dhuan Dhuan Si Zindagi’, the exhibit is a call to action and valuing our commons, human fragility and resilience.

6. #SaalBhar60

The COVID-19 induced lockdown that kicked in on March 25 led to unimaginable chaos and suffering for the country’s 300 million poor people. But with millions of cars off the streets, closure of factories and a halt in construction and other economic activity, Indians experienced the cleanest air in over two decades.

With the intention of improving air quality so that we can have clean air all year round, we began #SaalBhar60. The campaign was launched through a video where netizens were called to participate in a nationwide digital movement on June 5, World Environment Day, by sharing photos from their city demanding “Clean Air for All”. Post the launch, we hosted multiple, virtual, inter-city convenings across Maharashtra, where relevant stakeholders came together to discuss and debate action plans for improving the air quality in their respective cities.

7. C & D Campaign - We Need Clean Air in Mumbai

Waatavaran launched a campaign aimed at ensuring stricter compliance with Construction and Demolition (C&D) dust mitigation rules in Mumbai. The campaign highlighted the significant impact of C&D activities on air pollution levels and public health, advocating for stringent enforcement of existing regulations. The online campaign received 71,255 signatures from the citizens.

The primary objective of the campaign was to raise awareness among stakeholders, including construction companies, developers, contractors, and government authorities, about the importance of implementing effective dust control measures at construction and demolition sites. Uncontrolled dust emissions from these activities can contribute to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in the air, posing serious health risks to workers and the surrounding community.

The campaign utilized various channels, such as social media platforms, local community outreach, and media engagements, to educate the public about the hazards of C&D dust and the necessity of strict adherence to dust mitigation rules. Waatavaran Foundation and Jhatkaa.org engaged with construction companies, developers, contractors, and relevant government agencies through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one meetings. These interactions aimed to emphasize the importance of implementing dust control measures, such as water sprinkling, covering of construction materials, and using efficient dust collection systems. The campaign called for stricter enforcement of existing C&D dust mitigation rules by municipal and environmental authorities. This included advocating for regular site inspections, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and ensuring that construction sites have appropriate dust control plans in place before commencing activities.

8. Mumbai Convening on Clearing the Air on Air Pollution: Reality in Mumbai

Waatavaran & Conservation Action Trust organised Mumbai Convening on Clearing the Air on Air Pollution:Reality in Mumbai dated on 9th August 2019 at Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Mumbai. We brought together multiple stakeholders including experts from the civil society for a day long convening and we have put together a list of recommendations. In this convening, Mr. Pravin Pardeshi, Mumbai Municipal Commissioner joined to understand the perspective of civil society on Mumbai’s Clean Air Action Plan. During this meeting, Ms. Anumita Roy Choudary, executive director of Center for science and Environment(CSE), Sarath Guttikunda, Director of Urban Emission and Ronak Sutaria from Urban Science presented their perspective on the roadmap for Mumbai’s clean air action plan. It developed understanding on air pollution sources that contribute to Air pollution in Mumbai and its health impact of air pollution. We learned about the prevalent communications narrative on the issue in Mumbai media. We charted out the role of Data in public engagement and policy making and the role of civil society in pushing for faster policy implementation for clean air in the city of Mumbai.

9. TOWN HALL 1: Managing Maharashtra’s Air Quality

Waatavaran hosted a Town Hall, an online consultation on Air Pollution that lasted for 150 minutes. This was organised by Climate Voices (a communications collaborative by Purpose, Asar and Climate Trends) and Majhi Vasundhara campaign of the Environment Department, Government of Maharashtra and hosted by Waatavaran. The objective was to provide a platform for all citizen representatives, experts and civil society organisations to present their perspectives and solutions to the state government. In the Voices From The Ground section we had Bilal Khan, GBGB Andolan, Mumbai, Frederick D’sa, Leader of Auto Union, Mumbai, Prof. Yogesh Dudhpachare, Environmental Expert, Chandrapur. In the next section the following experts gave recommendations on how to manage air quality,  the session was moderated by Nalini Shekar. Manisha Mhaiskar, Principal Secretary, Maharashtra Environment Department gave closing remarks and shared her reflections on the recommendations. 60 people joined us on ZOOM that day. Many others joined us on FB LIVE. The video has 1,500 views.

Town Hall Report (Click here to download the report)

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