PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) is conducting an awareness campaign in various schools across the city to educate students about the harmful effects of air pollution and ways to control it under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). Conducted under the guidance of Dehradun municipal commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey, the drive aims to encourage children to adopt environment-friendly practices and understand the importance of clean air, civic body sources said.
During the sessions, students are being informed about the major causes of air pollution, including vehicular emissions, burning of garbage and dry leaves, construction dust and other polluting activities. They are also being made aware of the health risks associated with air pollution, particularly for children and the elderly. “The MCD team is encouraging students to walk or cycle for shorter distances, use public transport, avoid burning waste, segregate wet and dry garbage and plant more trees. The importance of controlling dust at construction sites and saving energy is also being highlighted,” Pandey shared.
To make the campaign more interactive, activities such as quizzes, poster-making competitions, drawing competitions and discussions are being organised in schools. Students are also being encouraged to spread awareness among their family members and people in their neighbourhoods.
“Improving Dehradun’s air quality is among the corporation’s priorities,” he said and added that along with administrative efforts, public participation was equally important to ensure cleaner air and a healthier city.
The MCD has also appealed to residents to avoid burning garbage, maintain cleanliness, reduce unnecessary use of private vehicles and actively participate in environmental protection.
