In an attempt to reduce pollution level, Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Saturday launched a campaign called 'Shaniwar No Car' in the State Capital. MLAs and officials rode bicycles on the day to encourage commoners to avoid using cars and motorcycles at least once every week in a bid to protect the environment.
Agriculture Minister Badal, who rode a bicycle from his residence to state assembly on Saturday, said, “Many great personalities across the world use bicycle with pride. We should voluntarily use bicycle instead of cars and bikes at least once a week to improve our health and protect the environment.”
Officers of RMC also participated in the bicycle programme at Morhabadi Ground. The programme was scheduled to start at 9 am but due to the continuous rainfall since early morning in Ranchi, the programme could not be held at the scheduled time. This campaign is being discussed all over the country.
To ensure the success of the programme, a letter has been sent to all MLAs, Secretaries of the State Government and Officials of the other departments urging them to join the bicycle rally for the campaign. In order to do so Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Badal came to the Legislative Assembly from his residence by bicycle.
RMC, Municipal Commissioner, Mukesh Kumar said that pollution is increasing in the State Capital. "The health of people is being affected due to increasing air pollution. Therefore, to reduce the level of pollution in the air, a campaign of 'Shaniwar No Car' has been started on Saturday. People can participate in it voluntarily. There is no coercion of any kind. We are hopeful that we will get enough support from people of the State Capital in this campaign," he added.
Kumar further said that it is not that there will be a ban on driving cars on Saturday. People can travel as they wish but there is an appeal to the people that those who want to travel a short distance, use a bicycle instead of a car so that pollution level could be controlled. For example, go on a bicycle to bring vegetables, not by a car. People who want to travel long distances can travel by car," he added.
The Municipal Commissioner also said that the traffic burden would be lightened by not having the car on the road on Saturday and the traffic system will also improve. He said that the Municipal Corporation will also give tips to improve the traffic system gradually.
"Right now the traffic system is quite complex and people usually change lanes randomly which is very dangerous. About 45 per cent of the people in the State Capital ride bicycles or travel on foot. But no one pays attention to them. Most car and bike drivers are kept in mind while making any rules. But the Ranchi Municipal Corporation will also make plans for cyclists. Tracks will be made on the roads for them, so that cycling can be promoted," said Kumar.