This paper covers the extent of urban pollution and the reforms initiated in India to
strengthen the role of municipal bodies to curb urban pollution at grassroot level. In the
last few years, we have witnessed increasing focus on municipal role in containing urban
pollution in line with global emphasis on urban pollution. COP 26 and 27 have given due
attention on urban pollution as part of race 2 zero and interim urban agenda for 2030. Indian
urban missions, programs and schemes have shown top down and bottom-up coordination
with specific, decisive and nodal role of urban local bodies (ULBs). These initiatives need to
be replicated with scaling up in respective cities. Further, the focus on regional approach
as suggested by Fifteenth National Finance Commission should be consolidated along with
mainstreaming the census towns which are deprived from city governments despite of urban
character and inclusion in urban heat Islands. Finally, the paper presents a ten-point road
map of reforms at municipal level to minimize urban pollution.