MMG and GRAP (Gurugram Residents Against Pollution)

Gurugram Citizens Participate in Cyclothon & Walkathon for a Liveable, Clean-Air City
Starting with a protest fast on 31st Dec 2025 by Gauri Sarin, today in a strong and peaceful display of civic responsibility, hundreds of residents of Gurugram gathered this morning at Galleria Market, Hamilton Road, to participate in the Cyclothon & Walkathon for #LiveableGurgaon.

The event was organised by Gurugram Residents Against Pollution (GRAP) under the leadership of social activist Ms. Gauri Sarin of Making Model Gurugram.
This citizen-led initiative brought together children, senior citizens, RWAs, cyclists, parents, youth, and professionals from across Gurugram such as Kendriya Vihar, Suncity, Sector 62, Ridgewood, La Lagune, Sector 70, Sector 4, Sector 7, DLF 1-5 — united by a shared demand for dust-free roads, pedestrian walks, and cycling infrastructure along with a robust Public Transport system, and an urgent action to address the city’s worsening air quality.

The event featured parallel 6 km and 3 km cyclothons, a 2 km walkathon.
As the cyclothon and walkathon was flagged off, 100s of residents as young as 6 year and senior citizens, braved the cold in the morning and marched through the street along the planned route starting from Galleria Market taking the Hamilton road with posters and banners. This event was a total citizen led initiative, with out any corporate or political association or sponsorship.

Max Hospital, Gurugram, participated with senior pulmonologist Dr. Neeraj Gupta conducting a Q&A on air pollution, lung health, effective mask usage, home purifiers, and overall well-being, and how poor air translates into affecting each organs where circulation happens thus affecting the whole body. Poor Lung health was also seen in infants and this was a sure affect of air pollution. Free health screenings were also provided by the team on site.

While GMDA was invited to address the audience, GMDA Executive Engineer Mr. Amit Godara came towards the end to answer residents’ civic and infrastructure concerns in one-on-one interactions. Gauri acknowledged the action taken by GMDA and MCG to clear several roads of dust after the movement kicked off and complaints were submitted systematically to CAQM for action

Amit Godara promised to have the 3 model roads ready by 31st March 2026. Traffic Inspector Mrs. Indubala addressed the gathering on road safety and the importance of disciplined driving, pedestrian safety, and responsible civic behaviour on city roads.

“This was not just a fitness event — it was a call for our right to breathe clean air,” said Ms. Gauri Sarin. “Citizens demand sustainable solutions — dust-free roads, walkable and cycleable streets, and accountable urban governance.”

“Cycling through Gurugram every day, I experience first hand the impact of polluted air on our lungs and our lives. As a ex cyclist -I believe this movement is about reclaiming our right to clean air, safe streets, and a healthier future for our children. Today’s turnout shows that citizens are no longer passive, we are united, informed, and demanding real action on dust control, walkable infrastructure, and accountable urban governance.” Prabhat Bhardwaj shared.

CLEAN AIR & LIVEABLE CITY PLEDGE
The pledge was taken together by all participants present:
“I pledge to protect the air I breathe, keep my city clean, walk or cycle whenever possible, and inspire others to do the same. Together, we will build a cleaner, greener, and liveable Gurugram.”

The GRAP community of Volunteers is now 1000 members strong,” said core team member Preeti Darbari. “This shows the growing concern of residents for clean air and that they demand action.”

PETITION FOR CLEAN AIR
All participants also signed a petition calling for the immediate adoption of the “Vision for a Breathable Gurugram 2026”, emphasizing:
Dust-free roads and urban greenery
Walkable streets and safe last-mile mobility
Strict construction and industrial emission controls
Zero-waste management and clean energy transition
Transparent governance with real-time progress tracking.

The petition demands ₹1,035 Cr for permanent solutions through existing government and grant sources, asserting that clean air is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The smooth and safe conduct of the event was made possible by volunteers of GRAP Core Team and children, traffic marshals, and police personnel. Certificates were distributed to the participants as a reminder of the community’s shared commitment to clean air, sustainable practices, and a liveable city.

About the organisers: This event is entirely conceptualised, organised and supported by a citizens’ initiative called Gurugram Residents Against Pollution. The group was formed spontaneously, united by shared concerns about high AQI and the contributors to air pollution. Prominent social activist and green advocate Gauri Sarin who leads Making Model Gurugram represents this group. The forum is non-partisan, apolitical and respectful towards all. It comprises people from all age groups, professional backgrounds, covering numerous localities in old Gurugram and newer parts of the city particularly around Golf Course Road, Golf Course Extension, Southern Peripheral Road, Sohna Road and so on.

For more information, please contact:
Ms Gauri Sarin, Event Convener Gurugram Residents Against Pollution
Contact number: +91 98182 90990
Email: grap2026@gmail.com
Website: https://makingmodelgurgaon.com/cyclothon-and-walkathon/