‘Better urban planning needed’

DISCUSSION Experts suggest ban on registration of new vehicles for a certain period

LUCKNOW: Environmentalists, administrative officials and industrialists of the city held a meeting at Lucknow Club to discuss the issue of deteriorating air quality of Lucknow.

The talk highlighted the alarming levels of pollution and deliberated on the way out for a future with cleaner air.

Alok Dhawan, director of Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), one of the speakers at the event, highlighted the need for better urban planning to reduce air pollution.

“We need to develop new cities near the existing ones to reduce the pressure on natural resources. Such cities near Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, Praygraj and Kanpur will help reduce environmental pollution in these cities,” said Dhawan.

He also suggested a complete ban on registration of new vehicles for a certain period, citing an example of Hong Kong, to reduce air pollution.

The delegates also suggested stricter implementation of laws related to the environment, raising awareness about pollution and making the issue the most pressing issue for the government to act upon.

The gathering was also attended by former chief secretary Alok Ranjan and representatives from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Ranjan assured the delegates that the talking points of the discussion would be made into an action plan that will be shared with the state government to act upon.

“The gathering expressed concern over the poor air quality in Lucknow that has gone beyond AQI 400 (severe category). We hope that the discussion will encourage more discussion on the issue so that some change can be brought,” said RN Bhargava, secretary general of the Club of Lucknow.