Socio-Environmental Activist Embarks on Awareness Ride to Highlight Kashmir’s Air Quality Crisis

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

FARHAN KITAB 

SRINAGAR DECM, 09:-In a powerful demonstration of citizen-led action, prominent socio-environmental activist Dr. Touseef Ahmed today undertook a dedicated cycling journey from Srinagar to Budgam to spotlight the rapidly deteriorating air quality in the Kashmir Valley.

The initiative, titled “Pedal for Clean Air,” saw Dr. Ahmed pedal through urban and suburban stretches, symbolizing a shift towards sustainable mobility and drawing public attention to the invisible public health emergency. The silent yet significant ride aimed to foster community dialogue on the urgent need for collective action to combat rising pollution levels.

Upon reaching Budgam, Dr. Ahmed was warmly received by a gathering of concerned citizens from both Budgam and Srinagar. He expressed deep appreciation for their proactive involvement and solidarity. “This is not a one-person campaign; it is a collective awakening,” stated Dr. Ahmed. “The enthusiastic participation of citizens from Budgam and Srinagar is a testament to the growing public concern over the air we breathe. Our paradise is choking, and it will take every one of us to reclaim it.”

The event served as a platform to discuss the primary sources of pollution in the region, including vehicular emissions, industrial discharge, construction dust, and the burning of waste. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that clean air is a fundamental right and called for immediate, multi-stakeholder action involving citizens, civil society, and government authorities.

Dr. Touseef Ahmed is a well-known socio-environmental activist and academic in Kashmir, consistently advocating for sustainable development, environmental justice, and community health.

“The deteriorating air quality is a silent pandemic affecting our children, our elderly, and our future. We must transition to greener alternatives, enforce existing regulations stringently, and make clean air a top priority in our development agenda,” he added.

The group of citizens pledged to continue advocacy efforts at the grassroots level, promoting awareness about individual actions and demanding systemic change for a healthier Kashmir.