Walkathon creates awareness on air pollution

BANGALORE:  Employees of the Transport Department held a walkathon on Thursday to observe Air Pollution Control Month. The walkathon began from Kanteerva Stadium at 8am, where Transport Minister R Ashok flagged off the event and addressed the gathering. Also present at the event were Transport Secretary M K Shankarlinge Gowda and A S Sadashivaiah, chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).“Air pollution has reached alarming levels and is affecting the lives of humans and animals besides damaging the environment today. People must start taking active measures to control air pollution in the State,” said Ashok. He also appealed to the citizens to start using the Metro regularly to decrease traffic congestion. He pointed out that new buses coming into the city are Euro IV level compliant. “This is just the beginning, we plan on organising debates at many schools and colleges across the state and various other drives to spread awareness amongst the public,” said Shankarlinge Gowda. The walkathon passed through Cubbon Park, Coffee Day Square and Hudson Circle before returning to Kanteerva Stadium.