Key facts :-

Pune is amongst the fastest growing cities in the county. . During 1991-2001, its population increased by 50.08 percent, compared to a 40 percent growth in the previous decade.  Pune uniquely remains a hub for students from all across the globe, and the growth centre of the IT sector. The growth pressure has left the city strained and exhausted. The traffic situation is the worst hit. Air quality is at risk. Studies show high contribution of vehicles to air pollution.

Air and mobility facts

 Congestion: According to the city mobility plan the average journey speed in the city on the major corridor is about 22kmph.

Change makers

Policy action

1) Campaigning for those on buses, on pedal and on foot

2) Campaign for walking

First generation action has taken roots. This has helped in arresting the rising trend in pollution. The city has yet to meet the clean air standards. Policy decisions and action so far in the city

Action on vehicles

1) Emissions norms tightened Euro II and Euro III norms introduced

2) Unleaded petrol has already been made available.

3) Supply of gasoline with 1 % benzene has already been started from April 2003.

4) Ban on supply of loose 2 T oil.

5) Vehicles are regularly checked for PUC certificates and if found exceeding the limits, the registration is suspended till satisfactory repair.

6) Improved public transport bus service

7) RTO has banned six seaters within Pune Municipal Corporation area.

8) Banning on registration of all new diesel public vehicles., Only petrol driven rickshaws are permitted in PMC area, Restriction is put on goods Vehicle and passenger buses entering the city by PMC and Police Commission orate.

9) No new rickshaw permits are being granted from 26-11- 1997., All intent letters for the rickshaw permits have been cancelled from 29-04-1999.

10) 10 river bridges have been constructed while other are in different stages of construction.

11) Introduced synchronized traffic signals.

12) Better traffic management through bicycle pathways, bye passing of inter city/inter state buses etc.

13) Inventory of emissions load from vehicles is done in Pune city & PCMC and is reported by Central Institute of Road transport (CIT), Pune .

14) LPG is used as an automobile fuel

15) CNG programme: 612 vehicles, and 7 stations

Action on industry

Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has taken step to shift the industries located in the non conforming zones to the designated industrial areas. Besides, the Regional Planning Authority is in the process of preparing a Development plan identifying a proper industrial area where the unauthorized industries can be shifted.

Adequate air pollution control equipments like dust collectors and scrubbers are provided by the industries.

Pollution control from stone crushers and gensets

Action on other pollution sources

Open burning is banned by PMC. Citizens are sensitized by PMC to carry out vermi-composting

Campaigning for those on buses, on pedal and on foot

Prisar: Parisar is campaigning for sustainable urban transport. It has a special focus on walking and cycling facilities and promotion of public transport systems to alleviate the problems of congestion and pollution, and also help in dealing with issues such as climate change and dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Action: Parisar has an active engagement with the Pune Municipal Corporation and has been instrumental in pushing through certain schemes and policies that further the cause of sustainable transport. It has carried out important studies on the local mobility imperatives in the city to inform policies. They have played a key role in the advocacy with the Pune Municipal Corporation to create a Non-motorized Transport (NMT) “cell” (subdivision of the local government) at the Pune Municipal Corporation. .

In response to a controversy surrounding the construction of the Foot Over-Bridges at Goodluck chowk in Deccan Gymkhana area in late 2009, Parisar carried out survey of pedestrians using Foot Over-Bridges and Foot Under-Bridges, and carried out usability analysis. Also along with the Locomotives (an I-CE initiative), the Alliance for Global Education and Janwani, they helped create a film to document the current state of Pune's pedestrian facilities.

Key contact: Mr. Sujit Patwardhan
Website: http://www.parisar.org

Publication: Searching high and low: study of Pune’s pedestrian crossing facilities : Survey of pedestrians using Foot Over-Bridges (FOBs) and Foot Under-Bridges (FUBs), and usability analysis.

Film: Film on pedestrians

Campaign for walking

Pedestrians First: Pedestrians FIRST founded in 2008 takes up issues related to pedestrian rights and safety. It is fighting to give first priority pedestrian in the road engineering and traffic planning. Safety, equity/social justice, and traffic congestion are its guiding principles. It works with a core group of volunteers. They work with people to take up issues in their own neighbourhood, to create awareness and pressure.

Action Pedestrians FIRST volunteers participate in a wide variety ofactivities to promote pedestrian issues and regularly interact withgovernment officials through meetings, letters, and emails. Group membershave prepared a number of reports on the city’s pedestrian problems andpotential solutions, including a report the status of pedestrian facilities inPune and another on local zebra crossings. The organization has also workedon projects related to sidewalk and crossing improvements, pedestrianrefuges, road junction improvements, sidewalk encroachments, andpedestrian signals.

They participate in public hearings, protest marches, mediaoutreach, conductneighborhood walk audits, conceptual project design, data collection,including photos and accident statistics, and workshops and seminars. Pedestrians FIRST had also joined hands with Parisar and the Pune Traffic and Transportation Forum to create a Non-motorized Transport (NMT) “cell” at the Pune Municipal Corporation.

Key contact and website
Mr. Prashant Inamdar

Publication: Guide for Correct Practices for Construction and Maintenance of Pedestrian Facilities.