If you are a conscious Delhiite then you must be aware of the famous Raahgiri Day, a weekly road event that is held every Sunday at several locations in Delhi-NCR. For those who still do not know about the grand event, this is an initiative to make the national capital a sustainable and environment-friendly city.
The noble cause caught the fancy of the people in no time ever since it started a year and a half back and is now routine for many people. Thousands across the city come out of their homes on every Sunday morning to be a part of the event, which aims to create awareness about the hazards and threats that vehicular pollution poses for residents of the national capital.
The journey started from Gurgaon, which had garnered a massive response from people leading to another edition at the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. This was followed by Rohini and Dwarka.
Every Sunday, majestic roads of the city are temporarily closed for the vehicular movement and are made open to the people. People from all walks of life come together and indulge themselves in community leisure activities. One is free to take bike, skate, run or walk or indulge in street games, street dancing or learn yoga, aerobics, Zumba, etc.
According to a recent survey by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Delhi was the most polluted city in the world. It recorded an annual average of 153 micrograms of PM2.5, the most dangerous small particulates, per cubic metre.
This has been an alarming situation for Delhi as the level was six times of WHO's recommended maximum, 12 times the US standards and more than twice the level of Indian standards.
‘Raahgiri’ is an apt platform to inform that its high time that all citizens should stand united to combat air pollution and improving public health. People have started realizing that non-motorised transport such as cycling along with effective public transport is the only solution to make Delhi worth living.
This movement has sparked a ray of hope for brighter Delhi and, as they say, come together as a community and celebrate life. So, did you have your ‘Raahgiri Day’…
