Hundreds of Delhi citizens gathered at Jantar Mantar to march a protest against deteriorating air quality in the capital on Sunday. It saw participation from children, environmentalists, doctors and students from across city, reports IANS.
The protest aimed at spreading awareness about ill effects of pollution and also urge the government to take steps to tackle Delhi’s rising air pollution problem.
Mask-clad people were seen holding placards that read “Be the solution to the pollution”, “Don’t Let Our Future Go Up In Smog, Go Green 2 Breathe.”.
One of them had this to say:
Never has it happened that schools were shut due to pollution, frankly we cant raise children like this: Protester at Jantar Mantar, Delhi pic.twitter.com/OaX3OLIQo8
— ANI (@ANI_news) November 6, 2016
Demanding their “right to breathe”, the participants also signed a petition requesting the President to take immediate action.
Organisers and protesters complained of the health problems caused due to the toxicity in the air like breathlessness, itching throat, coughing and burning eyes.
Delhi comes together at Jantar Mantar for its right to clean and pollution-free air. Support the movement. Tweet using #MyRightToBreathe! pic.twitter.com/R0JcmwXkc8
— My Right To (@MyRightTo_) November 6, 2016
The protest also involvement from celebrity activists like Nafisa Ali who urged people to not the use crackers. She told ANI, “This situation will change only when we ponder over this. One should not use crackers during Diwali.” Praising the Odd-Even scheme Ali requested people to use cycle and metro as a mode of transportation instead of using cars.
Many celebrities tweeted in support of the protesters
हमने सबने “मिलके” ख़राब किया है, हम सब “मिल” के ही ठीक कर सकते हैं। Tom morning 10am Jantar Mantar #maskedprotestdelhi #pollution pic.twitter.com/eIkM2pg5BQ
— Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) November 5, 2016
Citizens Jantar Mantar make a commitment to reduce air pollution by making changes in lifestyle. #MyRightToBreathe pic.twitter.com/tLNywzaepG
— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) November 6, 2016
Some appreciated the initiative
I’m Also Joining protest at Jantar Mantar for the clean Air because it’s #MyRightToBreathe and live in a Pollution Free Environment
— Shubham Bhatia♏ (@Shubh__03) November 6, 2016
#MyRightToBreathe this is our responsibility to care n protect our environment from pollution so Delhi lets together at Jantar Mantar
— PuNEEt (@puneerap) November 6, 2016
Went Jantar Mantar TODAY Nice initiative to curb pollution #LetsSaveDelhi
— Sheikh Azhar (@SkAzhar93) November 6, 2016
However, many criticised the protesters claiming they are the ones responsible for the rising pollution
Protester reaching jantar mantar by their cars to protest against pollution in place if they plant one tree it help fight against pollution
— RAVI KUMAR SINGH (@singhravi5ravi) November 6, 2016
“Air pollution is high, kya karein?”
“Let’s shutdown school to save our kids.””Excellent idea. We will take them to Jantar-Mantar instead!” https://t.co/6Prv8GY0UA— Baago Mein BahaRatty (@YearOfRat) November 6, 2016
The same children who were bursting crackers during diwali are protesting against pollution today at Jantar Mantar 😂
— Mahishasura™ (@mahishasuraa) November 6, 2016
Some simply called the protest useless
“Air pollution is high, kya karein?”
“Let’s shutdown school to save our kids.””Excellent idea. We will take them to Jantar-Mantar instead!” https://t.co/6Prv8GY0UA— Baago Mein BahaRatty (@YearOfRat) November 6, 2016
Could Delhiites be any more dumb and ‘faltu’? How exactly will a ‘gathering’ at Jantar Mantar bring down pollution levels? #MyRightToBreathe
— Rohit Joshi (@emceeaarjay) November 6, 2016
(Feature image source: Twitter/@ANI)