(Thousands of citizens urge CPCB to revise the NAAQS in accordance to the prescribed guidelines of WHO)<\/p>\n\n
New Delhi, April 22:<\/strong> Greenpeace India has delivered the voices of over 10,000 citizens to the CPCB who are demanding a revision in India\u2019s air quality standards. The citizens have signed a petition and postcards addressed to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) demanding a speedy revision of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards(NAAQS). The postcards have been mounted on an 8 foot high wire tree, evoking the multi-cultural symbolism of the Tree of Life. The art installation created by Satish Kumar and painted by Greenpeace India volunteers, echoes the demand for revision of air quality standards using the direct messages written by people. <\/p>\n\n Citizens, especially from vulnerable groups, including mothers, children, senior citizens, urban poor and other marginalised communities are amplifying this message. These communities are facing the extreme impact of poor air quality and are demanding their right to a healthy environment from the CPCB. \u201cPollution is aggravating health complexities particularly for women and children. Not only this but it is also now becoming a social and psychological issue and impacting women across. We need clean air for us, for our future generations,\u201d said Bhavreen Kandhari from Warrior Moms.<\/p>\n\n On September 22, 2021, the World Health Organisation revised its air quality guidelines for the first time in 15 years. The new guidelines are derived from strong scientific evidence on the extensive damage caused by air pollution on human health. In short, there are no safe limits to pollution. Hence, the new air quality guidelines approve of significantly lesser concentrations of key air pollutants. <\/p>\n\n As part of bringing direct change and initiating mindset shift, Greenpeace India\u2019s \u201cPower The Pedal\u201d campaign is working with low-wage women labourers in the national capital and Bengaluru to build cycling communities. \u201cThough I am proud that I cycle but there we don\u2019t have enough cycle tracks and are constantly exposed to pollution from other vehicles. If the government can focus on parking facilities for motorists, why can\u2019t they prioritise cyclists as well, at least we are not polluters but proud climate warriors helping in fight against pollution,\u201d said Neetu Thakur who is part of a cyclist community in Neb Sarai.<\/p>\n\n