To counter the ever-increasing air pollution menace, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) started a Star Rating Programme in some villages of Chandrapur district recently. Under the scheme, rural people can take initiative and engage with the industry and administration at various levels. Urban centres in Maharashtra see a lot of awareness initiatives regarding this programme but villages, especially those around Chandrapur, are as much affected by the menace of air pollution as the cities.

Most villages in Chandrapur are surrounded by coal mines and power plants and bear more of the brunt than any urban centre. With the motive of engaging the villagers and enabling them to take initiative against polluting industries in their vicinity, the Star Rating…