If you care for air

MUMBAI, NOV 4: November 28 will give Mumbaikers a chance to protest against all the exhaust fumes that choke them at traffic junctions. T...

MUMBAI, NOV 4: November 28 will give Mumbaikers a chance to protest against all the exhaust fumes that choke them at traffic junctions. The drive against pollution is going to hit the roads and demand a cleaner atmosphere.

At a meeting of non-governmental organisations, the traffic police, representatives of the automobile industry and the Petrol Dealers8217; Association this evening, it was decided that a 100 vehicle motorcade will travel the city, highlighting the importance of a lungful of clean air. Everyone knows the statistics and everyone knows the effects of air pollution; now, those who care to do something about it will be part of the 100 vehicle motorcade that will drive down from Nariman Point to Chembur.

The rally hopes to 8220;involve people in the campaign8221;. Accordingly, the clean air campaign organisers have asked people along the Nariman Point-Chembur route to show their solidarity for the drive by hanging a light coloured sheet out of their window or balcony on November 28.

The only requirement for anybody who wants to be a part of the rally is that they should drive environment friendly cars. All vehicles participating in the motorcade, including taxis, buses and private cars, will be 8220;clean vehicles8221;.

Mumbaikers can also show their support by holding up anti-pollution posters and banners all along the route. Resident associations are also part of the campaign.

Discussing the nitty gritties of the campaign, members of the core committee organising the rally said the aim was to sustain the movement against pollution which was initiated with the pollution under control PUC certificate drive. The rally already has the support of the traffic police, petrol dealers and the automobile industry.

8220;We are going to approach the Taximen8217;s Union also,8221; says Gerson da Cunha of NGO Action for Good Governance and Networking in India AGNI. 8220;We would like them to be a part of the motorcade, though the final decision will be theirs. We are aware that a number of taxis comply with the pollution norms and sincerly hope that they join the drive against pollution.8221;

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Apart from asking people to use clean fuel, the drive will also educate them on the importance of maintaining their vehicles. Ajit Kamlani of the Petrol Dealers8217; Association explains: 8220;It is very important to tell people that half the problem is thanks to poor maintenance of their engines. Clean filters, clean oil, regular tuning has to be an integral part of the campaign. Clean fuel is not the only answer to clean air.8221;

8220;The drive against pollution is a people8217;s campaign8221; say committee members, adding that November 28 will indicate how much Mumbaikers care for the air they breathe.

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