Gurgaon Residents Take to Streets in Mass Protest Against Worsening Pollution
On a crisp Saturday morning, the streets of Gurgaon witnessed an unusual yet powerful sight as hundreds of city residents abandoned their cars and took to the roads on foot and bicycles. This was not a routine fitness event but a collective outcry against the persistently high pollution levels that have plagued the city. What began as a modest cyclothon and walkathon from the bustling Galleria Market quickly swelled into a significant public demonstration, drawing families, senior citizens, and even young children, all united by a shared frustration over the deteriorating air quality.
A Movement Born from Frustration and Health Concerns
Organised by the aptly named Gurugram Residents Against Pollution (GRAP) and spearheaded by social activist Gauri Sarin, the event saw participation from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and cycling enthusiasts from various neighbourhoods across Gurgaon. The turnout was notably apolitical and free from corporate branding, reflecting a grassroots movement driven purely by civic concern. Participants engaged in 6km and 3km cyclothons alongside a 2km walkathon, brandishing posters and chanting slogans that called for dust-free roads, safe pedestrian pathways, dedicated cycling tracks, and a reliable public transport network.
"This is not a fitness event. It is our fight for the right to breathe," declared Sarin, emphasising that residents are no longer willing to accept worsening air quality as an inevitable part of urban life. Her words resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom have grown weary of the health hazards posed by toxic air.
Medical Experts Highlight Grave Health Risks
Health implications took centre stage at the protest, with senior pulmonologist Dr Neeraj Gupta of Max Hospital addressing the gathering. He warned that polluted air compromises circulation and affects every organ in the body, revealing that even infants are showing signs of poor lung health due to prolonged exposure. To underscore these concerns, free medical screenings were conducted at the venue, allowing participants to assess their respiratory health and gain insights into the tangible impacts of pollution.
Civic Accountability and Government Assurances
The protest also served as a platform for direct engagement with civic authorities. GMDA executive engineer Amit Godara, who joined the event later, assured residents that three model roads would be completed by March 31, a step toward improving infrastructure. Traffic inspector Indubala spoke on the importance of road safety, urging responsible driving and disciplined street behaviour as essential components of making Gurgaon more liveable. These interactions highlighted the growing demand for accountability and tangible action from local officials.
Vision 2026: A Blueprint for Breathable Gurugram
A significant highlight of the gathering was the citywide rollout of a petition advocating for the "Breathable Gurugram Vision 2026." This comprehensive plan calls for stringent construction and emission controls, the development of green corridors, promotion of cleaner mobility options, implementation of zero-waste management systems, and establishment of transparent monitoring mechanisms. The petition also seeks an allocation of Rs 1,035 crore from the government for long-term solutions, arguing that clean air is a constitutional right under Article 21.
Growing Public Mobilisation and Collective Commitment
Participants concluded the event by taking a collective ‘clean air pledge,’ committing to walking and cycling more frequently and encouraging others to adopt sustainable choices. GRAP announced that its volunteer community has now crossed 1,000 members, signalling a robust and growing public mobilisation around the issue of pollution.
Sangita Bansal of DLF Phase-1 remarked, "Today was the start of sustained action for cleaner air and a better future for Gurgaon. A powerful turnout today reflects the city's growing resolve to fight pollution together."
Resident cyclist Prabhat Bhardwaj echoed this sentiment, stating that the movement is about reclaiming streets and securing a healthier future for children.
Deepak Sahu from Ansal Esencia added, "For me, it wasn't just about walking or cycling through the city. It was about reclaiming our streets and our right to breathe clean air. We deserve dust-free, walkable, and cycle-friendly streets, not just as a luxury, but as a necessity for daily life. This collective movement gives me hope that Gurgaon is ready to choose a cleaner, safer, and more liveable future."
Shailza Singhrowa from Uppal Southend summarised the day’s spirit, saying, "Today was not just an event, it's a step toward a better tomorrow."
The protest underscores a rising tide of environmental consciousness in Gurgaon, as residents move beyond mere complaints to organised action, demanding immediate and long-term solutions to the pollution crisis.
