Desk Correspondent , Mumbai – In a pioneering move for urban environmental policy in India, Pune is set to establish the country’s first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in the Shivajinagar area. Aimed at drastically reducing air pollution, the initiative will restrict or penalize the entry of older, highly polluting vehicles within a 14.5-square-kilometer radius of the central business district. Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram confirmed that the program is expected to launch within two months, focusing on curbing particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxide levels by targeting BS-III and older vehicle models.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Pune Municipal Corporation and ITDP India, aligned with Maharashtra’s 2021 Electric Vehicle Policy. Preliminary studies suggest that strict enforcement could reduce PM2.5 levels in the zone by up to 80%. While emergency services, public buses, and autorickshaws are expected to remain exempt, private vehicle owners may face daily pollution charges or steep fines for non-compliance. Revenue generated from these charges is slated to be reinvested into upgrading the city’s public transport and pedestrian infrastructure, creating a sustainable loop for urban development.

Pune’s initiative is expected to serve as a national template, with several other major tourist and industrial hubs already planning similar zones. Cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Varanasi are preparing to restrict specific corridors to electric vehicles and pedestrians to protect heritage sites and manage heavy tourist footfall. Meanwhile, industrial centers in Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, are developing Clean Air Zones around sensitive areas like hospitals and schools. This shift marks a significant step in India’s broader commitment to the National Clean Air Programme and the transition toward greener urban mobility.