An 8-year-old from Pune has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take strict action to control air pollution. She was joined by a 13-year-old girl from Bengaluru with asthma and dust allergy who also requested the Prime Minister to take measures to ensure a better tomorrow for not just her, but millions of other children in the country.
In her letter, 8-year-old Levinika Chaudhary from Pune said, "I want you to know that we have a lot of air pollution here. We cannot breathe properly. Covid 19 is gone, but our masks are still on. We are getting sick frequently due to bad air."
She then requested PM Modi to take urgent action.
Joining her was 13-year-old Asmee Sapre from Bengaluru who has been experiencing asthma attacks and dust allergy since she was 3, due to air pollution. The letters were written as part of an initiative under the 'My Right to Breathe' campaign.
"Respected Prime Minister Sir... I write this letter in the hope that you will see, and consider it. I have had childhood asthma and dust allergy from when I was just 3, due to which some of my prominent memories from when I was younger are trips to the hospital and my stay there," Sapre wrote.
"This happened because, whenever I went out, whether it was just to play or go out for a trip, the dust, smoke, and dirt around me caused an asthmatic attack or a dust allergy... If children are affected so much due to the state of the air, then we must really fear the conditions of infants, senior citizens, and ill people."
In an accompanying video, Sapre said that the letter held "not just the words of a 13-year-old, but the thoughts and dreams of all Indians who wish to live in a country where they can breathe without worrying".
These letters on X have already garnered positive responses from social media users.
"The PMO may have no answers, but the letters deserve honest replies. These indeed are kids' sentiments, except that many are resigned to their situation. Not everyone who's suffering is writing letters to someone. Most are wheezing their way to schools and ALL face a grim future!" wrote one user. "These heartfelt messages from the children of #Pune, struggling to breathe in a city that most of us thought had the cleanest air are signs that air pollution has no boundaries and is spreading its wings. These words must be heard and acted upon!" said another.
Read more: Delhi pollution: Centre puts off implementing stricter curbs for now, to wait and watch
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