U.S. Consulate organises Kolkata Air Quality workshop and round-table meet

Air pollution including environmental and household air pollution, has emerged as a leading problem for Kolkata, according to a new study.

At the workshop, questions raised included “what is your desired scenario (outcome) in relation to Kolkata’s air quality”, “why is the desired air quality change urgent” and “what are the required changes needed to deliver the expected change” and so on.

As a follow up to the workshop, the action plan was shared at a Round-table meet titled “Kolkata’s Air Quality: Vision for Strategic Implementation” on Saturday with key policy makers and government representatives in the presence of U.S. Consul General Craig Hall.

“I am thrilled to be at this roundtable today. This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss status, share best practices, propose solutions, and build a network for future engagement. I am proud that we are taking action today and I look forward to seeing these discussions unfold into positive actions over the upcoming days” said Craig Hall.

“People in the city are aware of the problem and also have different ideas toward solutions” said Joyashree Roy, Professor of Economics at Jadavpur University.

Follow the object of Green City, Debasish Sen, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of West Bengal, said: “ Air pollution is very central to it. We are looking for good technology for that will help us reduce air pollution.”

He also talked about “silent spring”, “air quality and greenness”, which is better known as “sabujshree”.

The workshop was organized by the U.S Consulate General Kolkata, in partnership with banglanatak.com, a social enterprise specializing in communication for development and the Global Change Program at Jadavpur University.

(Reporting by Reniza Ahamed)