New report sets out action plan to make Pune carbon neutral by 2030

“Climate change is global but action begins at the local level. Different areas will be affected differently. As a country, we have a big problem. We live in a tropical area, are dependent on the monsoon and have a large coastline so we will feel a lot of the impact,” said Prof Amitav Mallik.

At the World Environment Day event at Pune International Centre on Thursday. Express

A new report released in Pune on Thursday aims to set out an action plan to make Pune a carbon neutral city by 2030. “Climate change is global but action begins at the local level. Different areas will be affected differently. As a country, we have a big problem. We live in a tropical area, are dependent on the monsoon and have a large coastline so we will feel a lot of the impact,” said Prof Amitav Mallik, lead author of the ‘Pathway to taking Pune to Carbon Neutrality by 2030’, which released as part of the World Environment Day event organised by Pune International Centre (PIC) on Thursday.

The report was released by Professor (Dr) Nitin Karmalkar, Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University and Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, President, PIC.

Eminent experts, a project team of PIC and Climate Collective Pune, among others, have worked towards creating this action plan. “The report deals with the different challenges and scopes in various areas regarding carbon neutrality. We tried to put our understanding of working towards carbon neutrality into a coherent and official report,” said Mallik.

He added that reduction in energy demand and low carbon lifestyle were the challenges when it came to achieving carbon reduction. “We are aware that every human activity leaves a carbon footprint, so, if we decide to reduce our carbon footprint at the individual, household and institutional levels, we will make a substantial difference. Everything, from sustainability to preserving our future, depends on our consuming less. Unfortunately, we are going towards a Western culture that is oriented towards consumption rather than saving,” he added.

Pune’s per capita carbon dioxide emission was 1.42 tonnes in 2012 and increased to 1.64 tonnes per person in 2017. “If everybody decides that they will not use diesel generators any more, lots of diesel generators can be phased out as people switch to solar power,” he said. Waste management, planting trees and creating gardens are among the other recommendations of the report.

Mallik added that in a few years, more than 60 per cent of the global population will be living in cities. “They will be responsible for more than 75 per cent of energy consumption and carbon emission. It is, therefore, the cities that must be proactive and Pune must take a leadership role,” he said.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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