ANNOUNCEMENTS
Air pollution is a global problem for which the world seeks solutions in varied contexts and levels. While technological solutions are very much needed for developing alternatives for business-as-usual scenarios to advance sustainably; however, significant efforts are also required for behavioural transformation so that the alternatives or other kinds of solutions being designed, get actually implemented on the ground. The present study, therefore, addresses this aspect intending to facilitate educational and awareness components of local air quality management planning in the selected study areas. In the study, the author first reviewed the already conducted behavioural research on similar lines and tried to get insights through common practices and gaps visible across the studies. After completion of the literature review, objectives, research questions and methodologies were determined. Then, survey questionnaires were developed according to the varied local contexts of Patna, Dewas and Indore for students and the general public in both English and Hindi. The results of the survey at all sites were then documented and presented, and significant needs and gaps were revealed in terms of the understanding of air pollution, knowledge of AQI, falsified perception of air quality, misperception about sources and possible abatement strategies, non-perception concerning various important impacts of air pollution, issues relating to pro-active environmental behaviour, potential arise of eco-anxiety in future, the impact of negative social attitude on peer behaviour among others at different locations. Structuring needs and gaps into specific and generic ones was further used in developing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and policy recommendations. Some of the selected IEC recommendations are to be used for awareness campaigning under the broader project. Further, the policy recommendations are more general in nature and are targeted at government or administrative authorities to address the concern of air pollution in a people-centric way.
Keywords: Air Pollution, Environmental Behaviour, Local Air Quality Management Planning (LAMP), Information, Education and Communication (IEC), Policy Recommendations.
