Government school students propose clean air solutions to Ludhiana civic body chief

To mark International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, a group of 20 student representatives from over 10 government schools in Ludhiana presented their recommendations to improve the city’s air quality to the Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner, Sandeep Rishi.

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During the event, each school was given 10 minutes to present their proposals, which were based on the National Clean Air Action Plan (NCAP). The recommendations included measures such as making carpooling to school mandatory, increasing green cover, promoting electric vehicles and enhancing public awareness on air quality issues.

Responding positively to the students’ presentations, the MC chief said, “The enthusiasm and innovative ideas presented by these young students are truly commendable. It is heartening to see our youth taking an active role in shaping a cleaner, healthier future for Ludhiana. Their recommendations will be seriously considered in our ongoing efforts to combat air pollution in the city.”

One of the student representatives, Nakul Taank of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Cemetery road, said, “We are proud to have had an opportunity to present our ideas to the MC Commissioner. Our aim is to help make Ludhiana a cleaner, healthier city for everyone. We hope our suggestions will be implemented to create a significant impact.”

Jaswinder Singh, principal, Indrapuri School of Eminence, said, “Our students have shown exceptional initiative and dedication in developing these proposals. Their participation in this event reflects their commitment to making a meaningful difference in their community. We are proud to support their efforts to bring about positive environmental change.”

A city coordinator from Clean Air Punjab, Aakash Gupta commented, “The day’s event showcased the powerful role the youth can play in driving environmental change. We are proud to support these student leaders who have stepped up to propose practical and impactful solutions for clean air in Ludhiana.”

The coordinator added, “The event underscored the vital role of community engagement, particularly by young people, in tackling air quality issues. The students’ recommendations have laid the groundwork for future efforts to make Ludhiana’s air cleaner and safer for everyone. This initiative was a part of the Young Champions for Clean Air programme, supported by Clean Air Punjab.”

Plantation drive

The MC also organised a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign at the Nehru Rose Garden here on Saturday morning.

Rishi led the plantation drive after which a ‘tree walk’ was also organised for the students of Residential School for Meritorious Students. During the ‘tree walk’, experts Balwinder Lakhewali and Brij Mohan Bhardwaj apprised the students of the importance and benefits of native trees of the state and encouraged them to take up plantation drives in their surroundings.

MC Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon, Executive Engineer Balwinder Singh, Executive Engineer Surinder Singh, Health Officer Vipal Malhotra, JE Kirpal Singh, NCAP Consultant Mohd Adil Siddiqui and Shailja Saluja from CEEW among other officials were also present during the plantation drive.