Surat. A high-level panel discussion on the topic ‘Breathing Cities: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Air Pollution’ was organized at Ushakant Marfatia Hall in Sarsana under the joint aegis of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Surat Regional Chapter, and the Indian Institute of Interior Designers (IIID).
The program featured extensive discussions on clean air, urban pollution, green infrastructure, and ‘Brand Surat’. Chamber President Nikhil Madrasi stated that Surat has established itself as one of the cleanest cities in the country after the plague crisis in 1994. He emphasized that it is now time for concrete action against pollution, not just discussion.
He highlighted the seriousness of air pollution by referencing famous lines about inner turmoil. Chief Guest and Surat Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan (IAS) mentioned that the Surat Municipal Corporation has utilized 100 percent of the ₹322 crore fund received under the National Clean Air Program, achieving a remarkable 33.84 percent reduction in PM10 pollution levels.
He noted that there is a special focus on developing an EV charging network, solar panels, green cover, traffic management, and public parks in the city. Plans are also underway to increase metro usage and reactivate the bicycle track and bicycle sharing system. Allergy and asthma specialist Dr. Sameer Gami pointed out that indoor air pollution is rapidly increasing in modern air-conditioned homes.
He explained that mold, dust, and fine particles in carpets are major causes of allergies and asthma. He stressed the importance of creating ‘clean homes’ with natural light and ventilation rather than ‘sterilized’ homes. Kannauj Lakhani, CEO of Surat Green Precast, stated that only 1 percent of the approximately 500 million tons of construction and demolition waste generated annually in India is recycled, while this figure has reached 50 percent in China.
He emphasized the need for recycling construction debris. Snehal Patel, a founding member of Nature Club Surat, mentioned that cities need not only beautification but also trees that absorb pollution. He called for the promotion of vertical green walls, green traffic islands, and natural greenery.
Dr. Bharat Jain, member secretary of the Gujarat Cleaner Production Center, noted that industries contribute approximately 30 percent to total pollution. He praised Gujarat and Surat's achievements in the prudent use of resources and initiatives like recycled water and common effluent treatment plants.
The program was conducted by Ms. Kritika Shah, while the question-and-answer session was led by architect Prakriti Ramchandra. Former Chamber President Vijay Mevawala, Honorary Minister Bijal Zariwala, and a large number of industrialists, architects, and environmental experts were present on this occasion.
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