Maharashtra, along with over a hundred organizations from across India, is participating in a unique virtual human chain initiative to demonstrate solidarity and advocate for clean air. This initiative, launched on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on September 7, has garnered support from celebrities, parliamentarians, and concerned citizens.
The virtual human chain allows individuals to upload a selfie image on a dedicated website or social media platform to express solidarity with the International Day of Clean Air. Notable supporters of this initiative include Actor and India’s United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza, Rajya Sabha MP from Pune Vandana Chavan, Justice (retd) Anjana Prakash, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court, and Mrs. India Earth 2021 Jaspreet Kaur Sobti, among others. Over 800 people have already shared their selfies with the hashtag #TogetherForCleanAir.
This campaign, known as #TogetherForCleanAir, aligns with the theme of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Sky and is led by the Clean Air Collective. The Clean Air Collective is a coalition of approximately 150 members, including diverse individuals and organizations from across India, dedicated to raising awareness about air pollution and taking collective action to improve air quality.
Brikesh Singh, Convenor of Clean Air Collective, emphasized that air pollution impacts everyone, regardless of location, and the virtual human chain aims to send a message of unity in addressing this issue. The collective effort to combat air pollution underscores the importance of collective responsibility and innovative approaches to achieve cleaner air.
Gaurav Gogoi, MP and Convener of the Parliamentarians’ Group for Clean Air (PGCA), stressed the urgent need to address air pollution as a cohesive force. PGCA, consisting of over 37 MPs, plays a significant role in driving tangible actions to address gaps in India’s sustainability framework. Gogoi highlighted that air pollution is a year-round problem in India and has severe health implications, particularly for women, children, and the elderly.
Citizen groups in cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and others are organizing various events as part of the #TogetherforCleanAir campaign. These events include walks, discussions, and awareness sessions. Teachers, like Sandhya Bhagat from Vivekanand School in Nagpur, emphasize the importance of raising awareness among students, who are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of air pollution. Campaigns like this aim to educate children, who can, in turn, influence their parents.
The collective effort to raise awareness and drive action on air pollution signifies a growing commitment to cleaner air and a healthier future for all residents of India. By fostering collaboration among governments, civil society, individuals, and various stakeholders, India can make strides in mitigating air pollution and safeguarding public health.
