Pune : International Day of Clean Air: Citizens and organizations demand ‘Free Bus Day’’ on Sept 7
By: Pune Pulse
September 7, 2023
Pune: The Pune Air Action Hub, a dedicated platform focused on addressing air quality issues, has sent a letter to the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, urging them to declare the upcoming ‘International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies’ on September 7 as a Free Bus Day.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed annually on September 7 to highlight the importance of clean air for human health. Air pollution is acknowledged as the primary environmental risk to human health and a major avoidable cause of death and disease worldwide.
In response to the urgent health crisis caused by air pollution, which affects people of all ages, especially children and the elderly, there has been a demand for improved public transportation as a key solution to this problem.
As per the information received, concerned citizens and various organizations have made this call due to the increasing number of private vehicles leading to traffic congestion and air pollution. A group of citizens, recognising air pollution as a significant health emergency, and has emphasized the necessity of better public transportation.
While talking to Pune Pulse, Shweta Vernekar, Senior Programme Associate, Parisar added, “We have sent a letter to PMPML and PMC. PMPML is willing to move forward with this initiative, but only after consulting with PCMC and PMC. We have approached the higher authorities of the corporation, and they have informed us that they are considering it. However, we are also working towards implementing a car-free day on September 22 to address the escalating pollution issue.”
