Name of the project: |
IES - India General Education Campaign |
Program Area: |
E&E |
Country: |
India |
Project Length: |
April 2004 - February 2005 |
Sponsor: |
USAID and USEPA |
Contact: |
sobhan@winrockindia.org |
AIR POLLUTION OUTREACH CAMPAIGN INITIATED USAID and USEPA
partner with local Winrock International India on air
pollution educational program.
HYDERABAD A public education campaign was launched on
Thursday, June 24, 2004, by USAID, USEPA, and Winrock International India, an NGO in Hyderabad, targeting
the general public on simple measures to reduce air
pollution. The ‘Hyderabad Air’ campaign
was an effort to raise awareness on the relationship
between outdoor air quality and human health. The campaign
was an effort to encourage involvement of the citizens
and recommend certain basic actions that individuals
could take to help improve the quality of outdoor air
in Hyderabad. Some of the actions recommended were:
- Pool cars as often as possible
- Plant a tree... and maintain it
- Travel by public transport whenever possible
- Do not hire autos or taxis belching smoke
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained
- Combine vehicle trips whenever possible
- Cross streets at designated crosswalks reducing traffic stoppages and improving safety
- Do your part to raise awareness by discussing air pollution issues with family and friends
The Hyderabad Air outreach campaign (www.HyderabadAir.com) included advertisements in various media, essay writing/quiz competitions for students, activities with school environmental clubs and awareness events at petrol bunks. The planned duration of the Hyderabad Air campaign was twelve months starting from June 2004.
This project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and co-sponsored by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratories, USA (NREL). This campaign was conducted with the support and participation of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) and the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH).
At the event, USAID official John Smith-Sreen said, "The Outreach Campaign is supported by a rigorous scientific study of the air quality in Hyderabad. The general education campaign translates the findings into practical suggestions that can be taken to help improve air quality and reduce respiratory illnesses. All of the recommended actions are supported by the technical findings of the IES project. The outreach materials are meant to create awareness and stimulate action to enhance the quality of life in Hyderabad."
The Hyderabad Air outreach campaign was a part of the USEPA Integrated Environmental Strategies (IES) program. The USEPA and USAID along with several Indian technical experts hosted two policy makers meetings; one in Hyderabad and one in New Delhi, to discuss the findings of the 18-month project. Discussions were based on findings related to emission reduction opportunities for improving air quality while reducing greenhouse gases in Hyderabad. Ms. K.D. Sibold from USEPA stated, "In Hyderabad, fine particles emitted primarily by the transportation sector significantly contribute to the local air pollution problem causing asthma and other respiratory illnesses. This innovative approach identifies specific actions that citizens can take to enhance Hyderabad’s air quality and improve public health." |
