Chandigarh, September 7: Today, celebrating International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) in association with NGO viz. Yuvsatta organized a cyclothon from Parade Ground, Sector 17 to Sukhna Lake in which over 150 students rode bicycles with placards of 'Together for Clean Air", from St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, Govt. Girls Model Sr. School, Sector 18C, Govt. Model Sr. School, Dhanas, KB DAV Sr. Sec Public School and New Public School participated. The theme for the fourth annual International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, "Together for Clean Air", highlights the urgent need for action to control it. Air pollution, indoors and outdoors, directly impacts human and ecosystem health. We all share and breathe the same air; thus, we all have a responsibility to protect our atmosphere and ensure healthy air for everyone.

Sh. TC Nautiyal, IFS, Member Secretary, CPCC was the chief guest and flagged-off the endeavour. On the occasion while addressing the young cyclists he shared that this year’s theme of “Together for Clean Air” focuses on the need for stronger partnerships, increased investment and shared responsibility to overcome air pollution. Given the transboundary nature of air pollution, all stakeholders have a responsibility to protect the earth’s atmosphere and ensure healthy air for everyone.

Sh. TC Nautiyal further added that Chandigarh is one of the green and clean cities of India, but is also having the highest per capita density of vehicles. And it’s imperative for us to walk or pedal for short distances and adopt alternative modes of transport, especially the recently launched Chandigarh Administration’s Electric Vehicle Policy and roadmap to make Chandigarh carbon neutral is a landmark step in this direction.

The cyclothon ended at Sukhna Lake with refreshments and participation certificates for all the students.