After Gurgaon and Delhi, another city in the National Capital Region – Noida – is planning on observing a car-free day in an effort to raise awareness and reduce air pollution.
Gurgaon had kicked off its car-free Tuesdays initiative with vehicles going off four major corridors in the Haryana city on September 22. The Capital followed with its first car-free day on October 22 on the stretch between the historic Red Fort and Bhagwan Das Marg. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal led a cycle rally to encourage people to use public and environment-friendly means of transport.
Now, the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration is looking at possible stretches to hold a similar event in Noida. On Friday, District Magistrate N.P. Singh held a meeting with police officials to discuss the possible locations. Station house officers have been asked to come up with feasible stretches which can go car-free.
“After holding a dialogue with all stakeholders, we are trying to work out the modalities of holding a car-free day in Noida. It will not just reduce pollution on that day, but help us create awareness,” said Mr. Singh.
Diwali pollution
Meanwhile, the district administration is reaching out to schools, colleges and business houses to ensure that the environmental impact of Diwali is reduced. An advisory was issued on Friday to educational institutes to tell their students not to use highly polluting and noisy firecrackers, as well as to choose eco-friendly products on Diwali.
The authorities will also be cracking down on those selling Chinese-made firecrackers as they tend to be more polluting. Permissions given to set up temporary stalls and shops to sell fireworks will have the criteria that the owner will only keep eco-friendly products, said Mr. Singh.
The Gautam Budh Nagar district administration
is looking at possible stretches to hold a
similar event in Noida
