New Delhi, May 11 -- In a first for an Indian city, Pune will institutionalise a low-emission zone (LEZ) in its most polluted area, Shivajinagar in the central business district, potentially creating a template for other Indian cities.

Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishor Ram said the city plans to ban or sharply restrict the entry of old and highly polluting vehicles in an area covering 7-10% of the city around Shivajinagar. "We will launch it within two months. We are already working with departments such as the police and the RTO, as their role will be critical," he said, adding that the finer details are still being worked out.

The LEZ initiative follows three years of work by the Pune Municipal Corporation, supported by the ITD...