Under the EU-UNDP collaborative global project, Advancing Health and Environmental Sustainability through Action on Air Pollution, a global initiative was launched to address pollution and its impact on public health. This project focuses on reducing air pollution and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by strengthening multi-sectoral stakeholder governance at national and local levels. It has also facilitated the development of a Legal Environment Assessment (LEA) for air pollution and health.

According to UNDP’s report, Coordination Mechanism for Multi-Sectoral Action on Air Pollution Mitigation: A Knowledge Document for Gurugram & Amritsar, India (UNDP, 2024), air pollution poses a severe threat to public health in both cities, significantly contributing to preventable mortality.

Air pollution is one of India’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges, with far-reaching consequences for economic productivity and overall quality of life. Gurugram and Amritsar, both designated as non-attainment cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), consistently fail to meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The deteriorating air quality in these cities has led to a rise in respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and a general decline in public well-being. The urban and industrial growth of Gurugram and the agricultural prominence of Amritsar highlight the urgent need for city-specific, multi-sectoral strategies to combat air pollution effectively.

The Multi-Sectoral Action Plan seeks to address these challenges by fostering collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders, and civil society organizations to design and implement targeted interventions suited to each city’s unique context. The plan focuses on reducing particulate matter levels through a combination of technological advancements, regulatory enforcement, and behavioral change initiatives:

• For Gurugram, key strategies include addressing vehicular and industrial emissions through improved urban planning, clean energy transitions, and stricter emission controls.
• For Amritsar, efforts focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices to eliminate stubble burning, enhancing waste management systems, and tackling urban pollution sources.

By strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring cohesive action among stakeholders, this plan aims to mitigate air pollution while balancing environmental priorities with socio-economic realities. It represents a critical step toward safeguarding public health, enhancing the quality of life, and fostering sustainable development in these non-attainment cities.