Green tech to reduce pollution

You replaced the 100-watt bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent lamps to save on your electricity bill and also cut carbon emissions.

And taking the "save the climate initiative" ahead, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) set up a clean technology cell to replace old technology with advanced systems in May.

"There are several sectors like power plants and distilleries that continue to use outdated technology of production and waste disposal. This team would identify these sectors and acquaint them with new know-how," said Sanjay Khandare, member-secretary, MPCB.

"The formation of this special team, comprising doctors and scientists, is one of our measures to deal with climate change."

The state government has allotted ₹50 lakh for this cell, which would identify sectors, appoint a consultant and provide advance technology to those sectors to cut down pollution.

And private enterprises that join in would get carbon credits or other similar sops. "The nature of sops is yet to be decided," said Khandare.

Carbon credit is a permit that allows the holder to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide. Credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced their green house gases below their emission quota.

Rakesh Kumar, deputy director and head of the Mumbai Centre of the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, said: "It could be big initiative to tackle climate change. There are several power plants, chemical industries and coal boilers within the city like Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation in Andheri."

The pollution control body has also increased the public awareness budget for climate change from ₹7 crore to 9 crore this year.

"We largely connect with school and college students as a part of the awareness campaign. The new generation would play a pivotal role in changing our outlook towards environment," said Khandare.

These awareness campaigns would also comprise public screenings of films, street plays and other mediums.