To check air pollution, Thane society celebrates Diwali with bicycles

While on one hand, Diwali marks celebrations, it also threatens us with an increase in air pollution. People burst firecrackers and it pollutes the air. To remedy the problem, residents of Ganraj Heights in Thane have come up with an environment friendly way of celebrating Diwali. They distributed cycles to society members to be used for commute. The initiative will go a long way in reducing pollution in the city.

Residents of Ganraj Heights at Kolbad started celebrating Diwali on Sunday morning and in a very novel way. They educated children and youngsters about the hazardous effects of cars and other vehicles on the environment. Then, the residents were given bicycles. "Today, there is no place for four-wheelers or even two-wheelers. Pollution is on the rise. People suffer from respiratory ailments. Hence, we thought of doing something that would reduce pollution," says Salil Chavan, a member of Ganraj Heights.

Hence, a cycle stand with four bicycles was inaugurated and adults rode these cycles. "These cycles are available for Rs 10 per hour. We can use it to go to buy groceries or for short commutes. There is no need to take out our car for daily chores," he said.

The members actually wanted to have 50 cycles but lack of cycle tracks in Thane made them start with four. "Once we have dedicated cycle tracks in the city, we will have 100 bicycles if need be. If citizens are doing so much for the environment, then the Thane Municipal Corporation can do its bit by providing us cycle tracks which will ensure our safety," he said.

The chief guest of this Diwali pahaat was environment activist Rohit Joshi who stressed on the need to save the environment. "In the recently held Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) conference of the United Nations, it was found out that global warming has become irreversible," Joshi said. "If we do not curb carbon emissions then it would be dangerous for man as well as all living beings.

WITH A PUPOSE

• Residents of Ganraj Heights in Thane, took the step to check increasing air pollution 
   
• The members will be riding bicycles for daily chores, they have also educated youngsters