How to Make Belgaum India's Cleanest City: A Comprehensive Plan

Belgaum, a city with rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has the potential to become India's cleanest city. However, this requires a concerted effort and a series of strategic measures to address air pollution, urban waste management, and public health. Below, we outline a comprehensive plan that can transform Belgaum into a beacon of sustainable urban living.

Strategies for Enhancing Air Quality

1. Planting Fruits Trees: Begin by engaging with the city municipality to plant thousands of fruit trees throughout the city. These trees not only improve air quality but also contribute to the local ecosystem by providing habitats for birds and insects. Tree planting can be a community-driven initiative, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens.

2. Phasing Out 3-Wheeler Autos: The city should accelerate the banning of 3-wheeler autos, whether using LPG or other fuels. Instead, encourage the introduction of battery-powered TOTOS (three-wheeled operational public transport options). This transition not only reduces air pollution but also enhances the city's green image and promotes sustainable urban mobility.

3. Introducing Pollution Minimization Tax (PMT): Implement a PMT for passengers arriving from distances over 50 kilometers. For instance, if Belgaum's train and bus stations experience a daily arrival rate of 10 lakh passengers and 70% of them are from over 50 kilometers away, the PMT could generate significant funds. Allocate these funds towards procuring electric buses, significantly reducing vehicular pollution. For example, Kolkata's successful implementation of PMT has helped in purchasing 1000 electric buses annually, demonstrating the potential of this strategy in other cities.

4. Prohibiting Domestic Burning of Garbage: Banning the burning of garbage, including various materials such as papers, clothes, tires, plastics, wood, and dry leaves, even during the winter season, is crucial. This measure will help reduce fine particulate matter emissions, improving air quality.

Improving Urban Waste Management

1. Close Coal-Fired Brick Kilns: End the operations of all coal-fired brick kilns within city limits to reduce harmful emissions. This shift will not only improve air quality but also support the transition to cleaner and more sustainable industrial practices.

2. Relocate Cement Factories: Move cement factories to locations more than 50 kilometers away from the city center. Communication and collaboration with local stakeholders are essential to ensure a smooth transition and minimal disruption.

3. Modernize Chemical Plant Emissions: Work closely with the State Pollution Control Board to ensure that nearby coal-fired power plants and chemical plants employ modern technologies to capture 99.9% of fine ash particles called fly-ash. Additionally, conduct rigorous testing of vehicles and their exhaust systems to further reduce pollution.

Advancing Sanitation and Public Health

1. Increase Public Toilets: Ensure that toilets are placed every kilometer to eliminate public defecation and reduce pollution. This initiative should be carried out on a quarter-wise basis, first among the top 25% of neighborhoods, then the top 10%, and finally the top 5%.

2. Ban the Use of Polyethylene: Promote awareness and implement strict regulations to ban the use of polyethylene, a major contributor to pollution and waste. Encourage the use of eco-friendly alternatives in packaging and daily life.

3. Promote Water Recycling: Encourage water conservation through the recycling of water for non-drinking purposes. This initiative should be backed by educational campaigns and incentives to make water recycling a widespread practice.

Conclusion

Transforming Belgaum into India's cleanest city is within reach, but it requires a multi-faceted approach that considers environmental, social, and economic factors. By implementing the strategies outlined above, Belgaum can become a model for sustainable urban development, setting a benchmark for other cities in India and beyond.