97% Children in Odisha consider Air Pollution as a Threat

Children Walk for their Right to Breathe Clean Air

Bhubaneswar, 25th Nov 2023: Concerned about the detrimental effects of air pollution on children and the associated rise in mortality rates and health issues especially during the winters, around 300+ children from Bhubaneswar took to the streets, advocating for their right to breathe clean air, in observance of Child Rights Week. The children came together for a peaceful walk to convey a powerful message of their right to breathe clean air. In a unique show to seek their right to breathe clean air, children from schools, youth from colleges and Child Rights based organizations of Bhubaneswar took to  the streets for a peaceful walk advocating their fundamental right to breathe clean air. 

The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of clean air for the well-being of children and to emphasize their right to grow up in a healthy environment. These young children embarked on a symbolic journey, highlighting the need for collective action to address air quality issues. Through this peaceful walk,the children conveyed that access to clean air is not just a privilege but a fundamental right that must be safeguarded.

Ms. Manjulata Kanhar, Deputy Mayor, Bhubaneswar said, “Our children’s plea for clean air is a powerful reminder that their right to a healthy future must be prioritized. Let’s take action, make the air they breathe safe, and show our commitment towards keeping them well.”

In Bhubaneswar, more than 300 children came together for the Walk for Clean Air. The starting point was Biju Nagar Chowk and the end point was Chandeshwar Chowk. Schools from Bhubaneswar like Tapoban High School, Bermuda High School, Gopabandhu High School, Jogo Nadi High School and many other govt. and private schools as well as organizations like Ruchika Social Service Organization were part of the Walk for Clean Air. 

Mr Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation said, “An entire generation of children are in jeopardy , Our survey with children and youth show, that they are deeply concerned about air pollution, the solutions are in front of us, even children know it – It is time to come together for our future generation and secure their right to healthy clean air..”

Over the years experts have been saying that children are more vulnerable to pollution because their lungs are underdeveloped and their immune systems are weaker. And yet, nine out of 10 children around the world are breathing in toxins that exceed safe levels. Over the years, the situation has become critical, even global bodies like UNICEF have predicted that air pollution will become the leading cause of child mortality by 2050.  However, all children should have the right to breathe clean air.

A flash survey was done by SwitchON Foundation on the Children and Youth perception of Air Quality in Odisha. The survey was conducted among a total of 179 youth to assess their perceptions of air pollution. The study revealed that 97% of children and youths believe air pollution poses a significant threat to human health. It was found that 35% of youths consider vehicles as the primary contributor to air pollution, while coal-based power plants, mining activities, open waste, and road dust as additional sources of pollution in the city.

The survey brought out the fact that the youth endorsed mandatory environmental education in educational institutions, urging the government to embrace this vital strategy for effectively tackling and addressing the challenges posed by air pollution. Majority of the youth emphasized the significance of urging the government to prioritize eco-friendly transportation, including traditional cycles and modern electric vehicles.  The youth actively advocate for government promotion of renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby directly alleviating the state’s air pollution situation.

Dr. Mamata Panda, Pediatrician, Care Hospital said, “The fine and ultrafine particulate matters may directly traverse through umbilical blood vessels and affect the fetus( in utero baby) and causes a systemic inflammation which can affect the organ developments as well as fetal immune system which can result in various problems in a child after birth like prematurity, LBW,IUGR,Birth defects, Cognitive problems etc. It’s our duty to bring and nurture a child to this beautiful world which should be Air pollution free.”

The event featured heartwarming moments as children, accompanied by teachers and community members, came together in solidarity. Children carried banners and placards with messages advocating for clean air and the right of every child to live in an environment that nurtures their physical and mental well-being.

A school student attending the walk said, “I have seen my friends suffer from breathlessness, I have constant coughs and cold and can’t enjoy sports and playing outside. I don’t like the pollution and hence request citizens to take actions to tackle the increasing air pollution.”

Ms. Binodini Mallik, Teacher, Tapoban High School, Bhubaneswar said, “Our Children are the future of our existence and we adults have the responsibility to listen to their appeal to act against air pollution. The walk for Clean Air along with SwitchON Foundation enabled my students to unite for Clean Air.”

Mr. Benudhar Senapati, CEO, Ruchika Social Service Organization said, “Air pollution is one of the most visible manifestations of how the climate crisis is deepening to the extent of choking humanity. We stand with our children for their Call for Clean Air.”

The entire analysis of the study can be found here.

Media Dossier

Online Articles: The Times of India |  Odisha Ray

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