Gurgaon’s decision to go car-free once a week is steering the city towards a ‘greener’ future. As per a report by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), air pollution in Gurgaon fell by as much as 16% on the second Car-Free Day last Tuesday.
While pollution levels in the city are touching alarming levels, a drop of 16% is significant. As more people get involved and spread word about the importance and effectiveness of Gurgaon’s Car-Free Day, the city will make giant leaps in beating rising pollution levels.
A sizable drop was recorded in major pollutants like PM10, Sulphur dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen. RSPM levels near Trident Hotel, which usually settle at around 350, dropped to 294 on Tuesday during peak hours. A drop of 22% in RSPM levels was recorded at Cyber City. Sector 39 in Gurgaon also witnessed a fall of 11% in RSPM levels.
Air pollution has become a burning issue in Delhi-NCR region. Earlier this year, when authorities in Gurgaon proposed a weekly Car-Free Day, the idea was welcomed by everyone. But once again, the participation of the local populace can make all the difference. The question is how many people are willing to chuck their car keys for a day?
Gurgaon is well connected via rail and road. One can easily grab a bus or metro train to reach Gurgaon. Shared auto-rickshaws ply in good numbers and can be used to travel inside the city. However, most people prefer to travel in their own vehicles and add to the chaos which can be seen every day in the financial powerhouse of the north. As HSPCB issues more revealing figures in near future, more people in Gurgaon may be encouraged to park their cars and switch to public transport.
(Featured Image Credit: thehindu.com)
