Don't banish environment friendly cycle say NGOs

New Delhi, July 7: Citing UN recommendation for maximum use of the simple cycle, two NGOs have called upon the Government to have a relook at its policy of banishing cycle rickshaws and bicycles, which are non-polluting modes of transportation, to decongest traffic.

''Instead of bringing in cycle rickshaws and bicycles into the framework, the various levels of governments in India are busy banning them out to 'decongest traffic'! As if the spiralling number of cars in our country are helping to decongest this traffic and cut down on global warming!''said the Save Bombay Committee and Prakruti.

Poiting out the UN call for the use of simple cycle to meet the threat of global warming, they said it was high time the Government here thought of encouraging these environment friendly mode of transport instead of sidelining them.

They World Health Organisation this week said increased use of e riding and other lifestyle changes were badly needed to reduce emission of greenhouse gases that are having an adverse effect on Asia's health and economy both.

According to WHO estimates, about 77000 deaths per year are direct or indirect result of climate change.

"So far the impact is on the health of the people. If the trend continues, it may have an impact on the economy," said Shigeru Omi, WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific, at Kulalaumpur where he had come to take part in a four-day conference on the impact of climate change and health in Southeast and East Asian countries.

Adopting lifestyles that are not only healthy but also environment friendly such as reducing the use of private vehicles, walking more or riding bicycles was a must to save environment," he said.

The NGOs said the UN recommendations should be given a serious consideration both by the governments and the individuals here.

UNI