Smog-Free Promise
New Delhi
More than one lakh Delhi residents have pledged to become “Vayu Mitras,” taking a stand for clean air under a campaign supported by the Environment Ministry and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The initiative reached nine major pollution hotspots including Narela, Bawana, Mundka, Jahangir Puri, Vivek Vihar, Rohini, R.K. Puram, Okhla, and Anand Vihar, along with other busy public hubs.
The campaign was organised by WWF-India EIACP Programme Centre with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and CAQM. Between June and August, over 25 workshops were conducted under the flagship campaign “Breath of Change – Clean Air, Blue Skies.” Students pledged to become eco-leaders, while Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) promised to reduce local pollution. Citizens were encouraged to avoid firecracker burning and persuade others to stop.
The outreach covered more than 1,32,000 people across Delhi. From classrooms to metro stations, and from industrial zones to green parks, the campaign inspired collective action. Participants included students, teachers, commuters, RWA leaders, and families, all committing to adopt sustainable habits.
Sessions featured discussions on air pollution’s causes and impacts on health and the environment. A Mission LiFE documentary was screened, reinforcing the message of responsible living. Nearly 1,750 saplings were planted under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0,” alongside interactive quizzes to engage participants.
Between June and September 8, the initiative directly engaged over two lakh people through on-ground and online activities. More than 65 schools were sensitised in critical hotspots. New measures included a Carbon Footprint Survey, SAMEER app demos, AQI monitoring, and student exhibitions on solar energy and waste innovations, making the campaign dynamic and impactful.
