The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in association with Institute for Future Cities, University of Strathclyde organized a workshop on "STRATEGIC VISION FOR EMISSION CONTROL", on 5th February 2019 at Williamson Magor Hall, The Bengal Chamber premises.

The focus of the workshop was to improve the air quality in Kolkata through actions in the following areas:

▻ cleaner transport solutions,
▻ renewable and cleaner energy solutions
▻ improved techniques and policies for construction and
▻ enhanced energy efficiency

The objective of the Workshop was to bring together the Stakeholders, Policy Makers and Industry Leaders to brainstorm and share existing and probable future policy that could have an impact on development and implementation of a cleaner air strategy for Kolkata.

Stakeholders from Industry and Academia, such as CESC Limited, Deloitte, Fortis Hospital, The Mission Hospital- Durgapur, IIT Bombay; Jadavpur University, KPMG; Larsen and Toubro Limited, Tata Steel Limited and others participated in the Discussion Forum to take the noble initiative forward.

The workshop commenced with the addresses by Dr. Richard Bellingham, Director, Institute for Future Cities, University of Strathclyde and Mr. Deb A. Mukherjee, Senior Vice President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dr. Kalyan Rudra, Chairman, West Bengal Pollution Control Board graced the Opening Session along with Mr. Bruce Bucknell, Deputy High Commissioner, British Dy. High Commission in Kolkata.

During the Opening Session, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a Memorandum of Understanding with University of Strathclyde.

Mr. Aloke Mookherjea, Former President, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industry shared his perspectives on "Air Pollution" and Dr. Arindam Kar, Director, CMRI, Kolkata shared his view on "Air quality and health" during First Session which was chaired by Mr. Deb A Mukherjee.

Dr. Richard Bellingham chaired the Second Session during which the Chamber invitees broke into small round table groups to discuss case studies on air quality issues and priorities.

The Session on "Improved techniques and policies for construction" was addressed by Dr. Debashish Bandyopadhyay, Prof. & Head, Department of Construction Engineering, Jadavpur University & Chairman, Indian Concrete Institute, WB Centre. Professor Nabinananda Sen, Department of Business Management, University of Calcutta chaired the Session.

The workshop included a very vibrant interaction between the participants and the expert speakers regarding the possible strategies to address air quality. The interaction was moderated by Dr. Richard Bellingham.