Pimpri: In an ambitious move to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has announced plans to make the city pollution-free by 2050.

To achieve this goal, the PCMC will develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan and establish an "Environmental Action Cell." This initiative received approval from PCMC Administrator Shekhar Singh.

Climate change has been recognized as one of the most pressing global issues of the 21st century. India is a signatory to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which 195 nations pledged to take collective action to limit global warming.

As part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), India aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Reflecting this national commitment, the Maharashtra state government’s Department of Environment and Climate Change has authorized the formation of Environmental Action Cells in all cities and regions under the AMRUT mission.

Pimpri-Chinchwad is one of the 43 major cities in Maharashtra that participated in the United Nations' "Cities Race to Zero" initiative in 2021, which encourages cities to develop plans to drastically reduce their carbon footprint.

These 43 cities together account for 76% of the state’s urban population, highlighting the critical role they play in Maharashtra’s environmental future.

Challenges Facing Pimpri-Chinchwad

As one of the fastest-growing cities in Maharashtra, Pimpri-Chinchwad faces multiple environmental challenges. These include rising temperatures, heatwaves, excessive rainfall, floods, hailstorms, and lightning.

The rapid pace of urbanization, along with the city’s socio-economic, cultural, and biodiversity variations, makes it particularly vulnerable to climate risks. Experts predict that these environmental hazards will increase in frequency and intensity over the coming years.

In response, the PCMC is preparing a Climate Action Plan with the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To ensure effective implementation, an Environmental Action Cell will be formed within the municipal administration to oversee the creation and enforcement of climate-related initiatives.

Formation of the Environmental Action Cell

The Environmental Action Cell will operate under the PCMC’s Sustainability Cell. It will consist of municipal officials and employees, with the Commissioner serving as its chairman.

Additionally, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, and other relevant institutions will be selected to join the committee. The committee will focus on developing strategies and monitoring the city’s progress toward its climate goals.