Gurgaon: City residents hit the streets on Saturday — on foot and on bicycles — to register their protest against consistently high pollution levels.What began as a cyclothon and walkathon from Galleria Market quickly grew as families, senior citizens and even children joined in without political flags or corporate banners, united by a shared frustration that pollution is hurting both the young and old.Organised by a group that has paradoxically named itself Gurugram Residents Against Pollution (GRAP) and led by social activist Gauri Sarin, the turnout included RWAs and cyclists from neighbourhoods across the city. Participants took part in 6km and 3km cyclothons and a 2km walkathon, carrying posters and raising slogans demanding dust-free roads, safe pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks and a dependable public transport network.“This is not a fitness event. It is our fight for the right to breathe,” Sarin said, underlining that residents were no longer willing to accept worsening air quality as normal.Health concerns were central to the protest. Senior pulmonologist Dr Neeraj Gupta of Max Hospital told participants that toxic air affects every organ as circulation is compromised, and warned that even infants were showing signs of poor lung health. Free medical screenings were also conducted at the venue.Civic accountability featured prominently in interactions with officials. GMDA executive engineer Amit Godara, who arrived later, assured residents that three model roads would be completed by March 31. Traffic inspector Indubala spoke on road safety, urging responsible driving and disciplined street behaviour as essential to making the city liveable. The gathering also marked the citywide rollout of a petition seeking adoption of the “Breathable Gurugram Vision 2026”. The plan called for strict construction and emission controls, green corridors, cleaner mobility, zero-waste management and transparent monitoring. It also sought Rs 1,035 crore from the govt for long-term solutions, arguing that clean air is a constitutional right under Article 21.Participants took a collective ‘clean air pledge’, committing to walking and cycling and encouraging others to make sustainable choices. GRAP said its volunteer community has crossed 1,000 members, reflecting growing public mobilisation around the issue.Sangita Bansal of DLF Phase-1 said, “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 said the movement was about reclaiming streets and securing a healthier future for children.Deepak Sahu from Ansal Esencia said, “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 added, “Today was not just an event, it’s a step toward a better tomorrow.”
