MP Vandana Chavan Inaugurates ‘Breathless Pune’ Exhibition to Raise Awareness on Air Quality
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Pune, 18th January 2024: MP Vandana Chavan inaugurated the “Breathless Pune” exhibition, curated by the Pune Air Action Hub, which brings together a collection of photographs that encapsulate the aspects of the air quality in the city – its sources, health impacts on different stakeholders , and the solutions to be taken up by authorities as well as citizens. The photographers have been skillfully captured by Ms Gayatri Juvekar and entries from citizens have also been displayed.
Ms Vandana Chavan said that the exhibition was an interesting way to engage citizens in this grave issue. “Water pollution or garbage is something that one sees, but since air pollution is invisible, the attention towards it does not go very easily. But the threat is very much there and unless we don’t act on it soon collectively, we will really be left breathless.”
Sharmila Deo, Senior Program Associate, Parisar said “ The Pune Air Action Hub is concerned about the deteriorating air quality in the city and felt that unless there is a large demand from citizens to improve the air quality, the health of the citizens is at risk. But awareness on the health impacts of air pollution is also low, and hence this exhibition was conceptualized to provide a platform for discussions on the issue.”
Dushyant Bhatia, Hub member said that this initiative is unique in the sense that it involves citizens in different ways like participating in a cycle rally, and low cost monitor walks, along with panel discussions and presentations from various knowledgeable entities. There are also activities with school children and affected groups like Swach, etc.
The exhibition which is till 22nd January, has a line up of events and activities for citizens to participate in. A cycle rally and a panel discussion is scheduled for Sunday, 21st January and a presentation by IITM (Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology) of how air quality is actually measured for Pune is planned for 22nd January.
The organisers invite all stakeholders to avail this opportunity to deepen their understanding on the issue and come together to deliberate on the solutions and emerge victorious over the silent killer.