Thousands run to protect green cover at Aarey Colony

Mumbai: Thousands of runners hit the streets on Saturday in a show of support for the green lungs of the city. Pinkathon, Mumbai’s first group run by women, in association with the Aarey Conservation Group (ACG), organised the run at several parts of the city to create awareness about the city’s dwindling tree cover, especially at Aarey Milk Colony.

The participants wore masks to highlight the increasing air pollution in the city, which could further worsen owing to loss of green cover at Aarey. Women from different age groups joined the run at 42 different locations across the city. Surjit Kaur (68), member of Pinkathon, said, “We included various places from Chembur to Vasai to create awareness about Aarey Colony. I have been going for walks to Aarey since my childhood and it was so emotional to see people from different walks of life pledging to save Aarey. We wore black to show our remorse for the commercial intervention at Aarey.” The women’ group emphasised that as important as it is promote women’s health, it is equally important to conserve the city’s environment for a healthier lifestyle. Sharmila Munj, first brand ambassador, Pinkathon, said, “We wanted to highlight that the greenery of Aarey Milk Colony is not only beneficial for Goregaon but also for the whole city. We are glad that women from Chembur, Bandra, Thane and other areas ran to support the cause.”

Amrita Bhattacharya, member, ACG, said, “Today, mothers showed their concern for the rising level of pollution in the city. They believe that this pollution is causing health issues in families. I hope our government will soon realise that it needs to listen to citizens.”