Gurugrammers come together to fight against air pollution

Is the pollution level bothering you? If yes, what are you doing to rectify your concern? Is sitting indoors an option? Should life come to a standstill? While many such questions remain unanswered the people of Gurugram especially children are actively stepping out to voice out their concern against the deadly air pollution.

Suncity School, Sector 37 D recently organized 'Suncity Run 2018' - a 5 km symbolic run. It was conducted not only to create an awareness about the rising pollution levels and the bad air quality but also to provide a platform to the young and old enthusiastic residents of Gurugram who have 'A Right To Clean Air' to show how precious clean air and environment is for all and that issuing advisories and staying indoors is not a solution.

Highlighting the air quality and its impact and 'Its Time to Raise Our Voice' was the crux of the Run. We applaud the efforts of all who do not just think about their well-being but take it a notch higher and empower the society and unite them for a cause.

There are many benefits associated with running even when the air quality is poor "The bottom line is that running and cycling are healthy and, overall, good for the heart," Dr. David Newby, a cardiology professor at the University of Edinburgh, emphasized in a New York Times article on the risks of pollution for athletes who exercise outdoors.

On Children's Day around 5,000 school students from 31 schools in the city came together wearing masks with a clear message 'My Right to Clean Air' and protested against the government's plan to build a road through the Aravali Biodiversity Park, the green lung of Gurugram. The children were accompanied by school teachers and parents in large numbers.

To convey the same message, St. Xavier High School in association with the Times of India took an initiative to organize a mini-marathon called Xavathon on 3rd November'18. The school students also organized a cultural programme including a rock band and a dance performance with a message to celebrate a safe, cracker free Diwali in a bid to appeal to the citizens to give in their bit and contribute towards reducing pollution.

A Reebok Float-A-Thon was also recently organized by Reebok Running Squad and Reebok India to spread awareness about the rising pollution, which was attended by hundreds of Gurugrammers.

It is not only the students; every Gurugrammer irrespective of age is concerned about the rising pollution. The last few weeks have witnessed Gurugrammers take up cudgels and participate in various events to reach out to the authorities about the alarming pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. Gurgrammers raised concerns by walking out of their homes and voicing their opinion that staying put at home, is not a solution.

Such initiatives clearly indicate that people are not ready to sit inside their homes. Instead, they are coming out in huge numbers to voice out their concern against the deteriorating air quality.

.