The manifesto received an overwhelming response from over 8000 citizens, youth groups, NGOs, green activists coming from across the State. The manifesto was also followed up with rigorous meetings with the manifesto making committees of several national political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Indian National Congress (INC) and Communist Party of India – Marxist (CPIM).
The results of our months long campaigning and arduous follow-up with political parties have been very positive and encouraging. All political parties in Bengal have recognised air pollution as an important problem which requires immediate mitigation measures.
CPIM’s manifesto –
The Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) have incorporated reduction in vehicular emissions in their manifesto alongside environment protection and conservation. This has not been covered in their previous manifestos.
Bengal CAN Team reached out to Shri Mridul De – CPIM Central Committee member – The Left Front’s election manifesto will focus on environmental protection and scientific awareness building in response to citizen’s demand for clean air as has been campaigned by BengalCAN.
BJP manifesto – “Ebar Fighting Pollution”
The BJP manifesto has gone a step ahead by detailing a couple of action steps for clean air mitigation.
Targeting all major sources of emissions to substantially reduce them to acceptable levels in the state.
Identification of 10 districts with the worst AQI and reduction of emissions and pollution by at least 25% by the year 2024.
Establishment of 10 smog towers in the city of Kolkata to combat air pollution.
Investment of 1,500 crores for Clean Kolkata Mission.
Launching feet of AC low floor buses and increasing the number of current buses to 3000.
Pratap Banerjee, Vice President, West Bengal of Bharatiya Janata Party mentioned that the party will be getting technical experts to give valuable inputs and bringing advanced technological solutions for clean air mitigation. We have set clear plans so that in the years down the line Bengal can be labelled as the best state in terms of air quality.
TMC manifesto –
Trinamool Congress (TMC) did not make any mention of air pollution abatement or any environment in their manifesto, neither this year nor in the manifesto from the 2016 elections. Although the manifesto mentions water conservation, access to electricity, better roads and livelihood opportunities, no attention has been particularly given to air pollution reduction or environment conservation.
Bengal CAN Team reached out to Senior leaders of TMC and they said the following -Shri Firhad Hakim, Minister of Urban Affair – Air pollution is indeed a cause of concern and unless the air quality of Bengal is improved, we are in a grave position. We are taking serious planning and discussion on Environment and Air pollution, with special emphasis on urban forests. Regarding cycle lanes, Firhad Hakim said that specialists from France have visited Kolkata and concluded that narrow lanes are not suitable for cycle lanes but areas like New Town are suitable for construction of cycle lanes and are already in the process of doing so.
Shri Partha Chatterjee, Minister of Education said that Air Pollution is an important table topic. Environment and air pollution are two such topics which are priority and our chief minister gives much importance to these discussions. In case of industrialization, emphasis would be given on environment friendly techniques of industrialization.
Congress Manifesto –
The Congress manifesto put emphasis on clean energy transition to mitigate for clean air. The party mentioned that the transportation system of the future will be electric driven. To reduce the use of charcoal stoves, ‘solar ovens’ will be given at subsidized prices. The party also mentions that it is important to encourage small projects / innovations to improve solid waste management in the city.
Joydeep Bhaduri, Elected Secretary, WBPYC (West Bengal Pradesh Youth Congress)
Elected Member, WBPCC (West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee) said that the party is committed to work towards Environment and Clean Air and promote cycles in Kolkata and other cities of the state. The party will be working to improve the air quality by 30% by 2024. It will also be taking steps to curb air pollution through mandatory waste segregation in all urban local bodies, increasing forest cover, and biodiversity corridors and promoting environmental education
A one of a kind green activism in the State:
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