An efficient public transport system is key to solving the outdoor air pollution problems in a city like Bengaluru. By scrapping old buses and buying new ones, we can reduce the problem of traffic congestion, and thus aim for cleaner air. But why do we need new buses in the city? Currently there are hundreds of old buses still running that need to be scrapped. These buses have outlived their shelf life and are less fuel efficient. Also, maintaining these buses cuts a deeper hole in the government’s pockets. Moreover, when these buses breakdown, they increase the traffic congestion on the streets, adding to the traffic woes of the city. More buses running on the streets will mean introduction of newer routes, thus increasing the connectivity in the city. This will reduce the dependence on private vehicles and increase the use of public transport, leading to less congestion and less traffic on Bangalore’s streets. Our dream for a pollution-free Bangalore will slowly become a reality. If at least 5,000 of us sign this petition, we will do a petition delivery to Mr Nagaraju to complete the purchase order. With amped-up pressure from citizens, the BMTC will not ignore this demand from concerned citizens. Source: BMTC promised 1,650 buses but adds just 75, wants two more months to complete purchase - Economic Times http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bmtc-promised-1650-buses-but-adds-just-75-wants-two-more-months-to-complete-purchase/articleshow/58470619.cms

Bengaluru was known as the “Garden city” because of its greenery, lakes and mild climate. Successive rulers of Bengaluru, from Kempe Gowda, to the Wodeyars have contributed to increasing greenery, thus making it one of the most livable cities in the world! Today, Bengaluru is facing rapidly deteriorating environmental conditions- # increasing heat levels even during non-summer months # high air pollution # less rainfall and depleting underground water table! Various scientific studies along with those specifically done on Bengaluru shows that trees are important! # Dr Ramachandra, from Indian Institute of Science (IISC) has stated that the city has lost 88 percent of vegetation and 79 percent of water bodies, and will be unlivable by 2020. The only solution he offers is planting of diverse vegetation in and around Bengaluru! # On an average, a tree produces 117.934 kilograms of oxygen per year. Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four. # Trees absorb noise, dust and carcinogenic agents, thus reducing air pollution and improving health. # Having trees on the road around a building can reduce AC and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent, as a study by Environmental Support Group showed! Bangalore Mirror’s test drive shows a variance of over 5°C in streets with and without green cover! # Trees also affect precipitation of rain; the more the tree cover, the better the rains! Therefore it is important and urgent that the BBMP ensure citizen participation and setup the necessary framework to ensure Bengaluru returns to its former glory as the Garden City of India.

The beautiful and ancient city of Patna has consistently been one of the most polluted cities in the country. According to our research, Patna has the second highest concentration of particulate matter across top 100 cities in the world. If the situation remains unchanged by 2031, 70 lakh people in Patna will fall sick due to the degraded air pollution. Now all of this isn’t great news for Patna and its environment. But it’s not too late. We do not want our city to surrender to a problem whose solution is right in our hands! Health Minister Tej Pratap Yadav is a young leader who grew up in a family that has always been in Bihar's political limelight. As citizens and civil society based in Bihar, we ask him to join us to devise the Clean Air Action Plan. As the first step, we need to ensure that the state government and the citizens understand the gravity of the situation. It is important to translate pollution data to language that is easily understood. This will happen only when the government begins issuing regular health advisories that indicate air quality levels in the city and advise the people on reducing their exposure to pollution. Simple measures in these advisories will go a long way in protecting public health. The health minister has the power to educate and protect the public. But all of this will start with you! For a cleaner and safer Patna, sign this petition. With the support from ordinary citizens like you, the Bihar government will know that people are waiting on them to act immediately. If enough of us mobilize, we know that the health minister will take notice and may even join us. After the first few hundred signatures, we'll take this petition and deliver it straight to Mr. Yadav. Will you help us reach this goal?