Mumbai air pollution: Bandra’s youth lead the way in combatting air pollution crisis

They say that youth is insane. Perhaps that's why they are the harbingers of change. A youth-led initiative has blossomed in the heart of Bandra as Mumbai's Air Quality Index (AQI) dipped to a concerning ‘poor' category last week. In a bid to promote environmental well-being, residents joined hands to spearhead a plantation drive on the Carter Road Promenade.

Starting out with phase 1 of the drive, 53 saplings were planted at the seashore alongside Bandra Bay. Saakshi Teckchandani (23), founder of Planet for Plants and Animals (PPAIndia), organised ‘Vriksharopan' - the tree-planting campaign along with Trivankumar Karnani, 120 students from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies and the Rotary Club of Bandra. A recurring drive, it saw wide participation from not just youth but senior citizens as well.

Students from 'Kshamta', a social and environment welfare group from NMIMS

With a roster of 20 volunteers from schools and colleges, the team at PPAIndia is injecting renewed vigour into a cause that promises future outcomes. What inspired them, we ask Saakshi? She tells Midday: "While commuting to my college via Bandra Worli Sea Link - I saw the skyline laden with haze, with only a silhouette of the city visible. That was the tipping point."

Participation across diverse groups

Young leaders initiated the plantation drive, but it garnered support from older residents who are well aware of how trees reduce the urban heat island effect. Even though they couldn't be physically present owing to their age - they extended support by sponsoring saplings that found a home along the promenade.

Rahul Rohra (40), General Secretary of the Rotary Club of Bombay Bandra tells Midday: "Each tree we plant is an act of defiance against man-made disasters that pollute our air. As we stood on the shores of Carter Road, I couldn't help but think of the kind of world we'll leave behind for future generations. It's our responsibility, as individuals and as a community, to counteract the effects of pollution and tree planting is our way of reclaiming clean air for our beloved Bandra."

"We became the foot and fingers of the elderly who cheered us while we planted the saplings," shares Trivan - the young advocate with the Bombay High Court and founder of Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF) that works in the field of citizen welfare and public interest.

Advocate Trivankumar karnani - Founder, MNCDF

Vinammra Agarwal, an MBA student in his early twenties was seen in action, leading a pack of volunteers from NMIMS. He is the General Secretary of the social responsibility forum ‘Kshamta' (at NMIMS) which works diligently towards social and environmental causes. The students united to take a step towards climate mitigation which is aimed to clear the air pollutants, absorb CO2 and release oxygen.

The act of planting trees cannot be overstated in its importance. Trees play a vital role in purifying the air by absorbing toxins and carbon dioxide while providing us with shade. Moreover, they enrich the soil, making it more fertile for agricultural purposes. "It's crucial to remember that trees don't require us for their existence, but rather, it's we who are reliant on trees for our survival," says Agarwal.

For the follow-up and post-plantation care, the team has tied up with local vendors who keep a watch, and water the saplings. Through this approach, the initiative gains a bigger momentum with involvement spanning diverse age groups and society's various strata, informs Trivan.

Mumbai's worsening AQI

Like Saakshi, many Mumbaikars were engulfed in a blanket of dense smog as the AQI worsened for the second consecutive row this year. The coastal region has traditionally enjoyed the benefits of sea breezes that helped preserve its air quality. However, over the past year, this geographical advantage has shown signs of diminishing.

In Vile Parle, the AQI had crossed the mark of 400 in the previous week indicating choking levels of air pollution. With a rise in PM 2.5 and O3 levels in the air - children and senior citizens face significant threats owing to weaker immunity systems. "If this continues, - we will be breathing hazardous toxins in a few years," Saakshi voices her concerns.

While the air quality has improved to a moderate level, experts argue that it continues to present a health risk for vulnerable groups. According to meteorologists, the pollutants continue to loom in the air due to calmer winds. These pollutants include tropospheric ozone - a greenhouse gas that is also responsible for rising temperatures across the city.

Some of the world's top 50 most polluted cities are in India. Pic/Satej Shinde

Picture this - Amid an apocalypse in Mumbai, an indefinite onslaught of air pollution has left the city choking for breath. With clean air in scarcity, Mumbaikars are left with no choice but to wear oxygen cylinders and ration their breaths. It's this fear that provoked the youth of Bandra to take matters into their own hands and respond to the rising air pollution.

Challenges from red tape

Saakshi opines that there are policies in place that are not being implemented strategically. There are multiple hurdles at the bureaucratic and administrative levels when it comes to implementing green initiatives. "Government departments are not interested in supporting such programs unless there is a political benefit attached," reveals Trivan.

Recollecting her experience with the Garden Department of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, Sakshi shares that they already have so much on their plate that it becomes difficult for them to entertain another issue. "Environmental issues often take a back seat due to the inadequacy of a proper response escalation system," informs Saakshi.

But the climate-forward duo is result-oriented. "Aise nahi to vaise, humko acha kaam karna hai so we find a way" says Trivan who is also the project head at PPAIndia. He reverberates passion as he regales us over his maneuvering efforts with government bodies.

Planting eco-consciousness in the minds of Mumbaikars

In 2021, the team planted a sapling in Khar which has now blossomed into a tree. Within two years, the tree is releasing oxygen and absorbing toxins from the air, thereby contributing to a cleaner, healthier surrounding. Encouraged by the results, the team intends to expand the mission pan-India with the help of localised partners. It is a striking argument for those who perceive tree planting to be a lengthy procedure that could demand 20 years or more to exhibit its effects.

Saakshi established PPAIndia with Trivan as the project head in 2020. Both of them were united by their joint commitment to instill eco-consciousness within the local community. They have partnered with multiple schools and colleges on initiatives like urban forestation, beach and mangrove land clean-ups, waste collection drives, pet welfare and more.

The next plantation drive is coming up on November 25 at Priyadarshini Park, Nepean Sea Road. It will be in collaboration with Raksha Education Center as part of a larger mission to fight against the worsening impacts of air quality in Mumbai. Saakshi makes an appeal for the residents to show support and join them in developing an eco-conscious attitude towards the environment.