Our next generation must breathe clean air, can’t leave a Kolkata like this for them: Firhad Hakim; Mayor.

Translated from remarks of Mayor’s during the climate pledge taking program in Kolkata Municipal Corporation on September 14, when Kolkata became the first city in India and biggest in south Asia to express formal support for non-fossil fuel driven future and increasing climate resilience; joining the list that already has more than 70 global cities including London, Paris, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Vancouver, Toronto, Vatican and likewise

If there are no humans, for whom we are offering the municipal services? The direction in which the present world is moving; it is actually difficult to predict whether humans, or for that matter other animal forms, will at all exist in this world in future or not.

No doubt, air pollution is our main problem. After we have planted so many trees recently, and are still planting, I never thought our city would be the second most polluted in the world (A recent study by Health Effects institute from US has shown that Kolkata is second most highly polluted city globally after Delhi considering annual concentration of population weighted PM 2.5 pollutant; considered the most potent air pollutant).

It’s a fact that we could not yet stop burning of fossil fuel; generation of dust from constructions or from poor roads, pollution from some industrial units in and around the city and few other sources. Hence, I request all experts like you (those present during the occasion particularly from Climate Action Network) to show us the way so that our next generations can survive healthily in this city; we cannot leave a city like this for them to live. We are doing the routine things, but … my feeling is, those may not be good enough.

We are noticing a lack of awareness within the people as well. Many are damaging or cutting down trees in the city; not understanding that they are actually damaging the future of their sons, daughters or grandson and granddaughters. We need your help also to make them aware. As transport minister (he was transport minister till recently) I signed in two agreements; under one 1200 electric buses would run in Kolkata within next two years and we expect the problem (of air pollution) to be reduced to certain extent after introduction of those buses; while under the second, the app based fossil fuel driven cars are to become environment friendly.

Our chief minister has already waived off the registration fees of new battery-operated cars for next two years; but we have to keep in mind even in the case of battery-operated cars the energy is coming from thermal power plants by burning fossil fuel and hence will cater to pollution. Hence, we have to shift more towards solar power; that is the main requirement now. Please let us know how we can make it possible. Moreover, you also guide us about the short- and long-term measures those we should take.