Vehicular Pollution

No Motor Vehicle Rally

In order to increase the awareness on savings the mangroves, lake and other environmental issues linked with pollution from the vehicles, NMEPS organized “No Motor Vehicle Rally” on October 2nd, 2012. The event was organized in partnership with Navi Mumbai Traffic Police.

The rally was flagged off by DCP Traffic Police. More than 400 students of various schools and nature loving enthusiasts participated and carried placards, cycled, walked and skated along the mangroves and lakes in Nerul. It created considerable enthusiasm among the participants who also included the nearby societies. All the participants were given a certificate of participation and they pledged that they follow the traffic rules and conserve the environment by conserving the fuel and selective use of the vehicles for short distances.

“This is a popular concept in some cities in the world like in Brussels, La Rochelle – France, Bogota, Jakarta, where in order to highlight the rising pollution and poor driving, they have ‘Car Free day’ or ‘No vehicle day’ in city centres or in a locality which is usually crowded with cars and traffic is open only for pedestrians, We wish to introduce the concept in a limited manner in our city and propagate the cause of pollution-free transportation. This rally which passes by three picturesque lakes, seeks to promote walking, cycling and even skating amongst general public,” said Sandip Bangia, Member of Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society.

Vinod Punshi, President of NMEPS, retreated to continue the mission to save the environment. DCP Vijay Patil lauded the efforts of NMEPS and promised to support any such activity in the future which seeks to conserve nature and inculcates safe driving habits. He also drew the attention of the participants towards the growing menace of traffic related accidents. He expressed disappointment that people fall for the thrills of speed and rashness along the Palm Beach Road. “I am, however, hopeful that the younger generation would act responsibly and will drive only when they have to and will abide by traffic rules while doing so,” said DCP Patil.

The rally saw participation from many schools in the area (DAV School Nerul, SS High School, Podar International School amongst others) apart from participants from nearby residential complexes and Palm Beach Riders – a group of passionate cyclists. DCP Patil flagged off the walkers rally and then a few minutes later the cyclists and skaters rally.