National Green Tribunal (NGT) Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava has said clean air is a fundamental need and not an environmental luxury. Justice Shrivastava made these remarks while addressing the gathering of the Swachh Vayu Diwas programme on the occasion of International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in New Delhi today. He said that clean air plays an important role in maintaining the quality of life. NGT Chairperson said the objective should be to ensure that children can play outdoors without fear of air pollution and elderly people can go for morning walks without health concerns.
Mr Shrivastava said air pollution does not recognise boundaries and has multiple sources, including vehicular, industrial and construction and demolition waste pollution. He called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to address the problem. Justice Shrivastava also appreciated the efforts of Central and State Governments under the National Clean Air Programme.
5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards were also presented in the best performing cities and wards for their efforts towards improving air quality under the National Clean Air Programme. Mr Shrivastava said awardees have shown that clean air is not an aspiration but a practical goal that can be achieved with proper planning and ground level implementation.
