Owe Earth launches Navi Mumbai Clean Air Collective

Owe Earth has launched the Navi Mumbai Clean Air Collective, a citizen-led platform intended to involve residents, students and housing societies in efforts to address air pollution across the city.

The collective plans awareness campaigns on air quality and aerosol pollution, alongside research, public consultations, petitions and civic advocacy. It also proposes a citizen-reporting system for pollution concerns. Owe Earth said members would be expected to take part in climate-action and engagement programmes, rather than only receive information.

“This is not my initiative; it is our initiative,” said Kapithra Kannapiran, founder of Owe Earth. “It belongs to every citizen who is willing to take responsibility and participate in securing our right to clean air.”

The collective plans to seek action from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Navi Mumbai Traffic Police, MIDC, construction and real-estate developers, and elected representatives. Owe Earth said senior environmental activists would guide the initiative and volunteers would work across different focus areas.

The platform’s planned activities include documenting local pollution concerns, public consultations, petitions and campaigns directed at the agencies and institutions it identifies.