Assam-based NGO Pedal for a Change called for action to promote sustainable urban transport since the city of Guwahati has been dealing with difficulties linked to pollution and traffic congestion that have been harming everyone’s livelihood and health.

Addressing the issue in a press release the organisation stated, “As the pollution and congestion crisis looms large over Guwahati, urgent action is needed from all stakeholders, including government bodies, urban planners, policymakers, and citizens, to prioritize sustainable urban transport and create a cleaner, healthier, and more liveable city for future generations.”

According to them, people are losing more hours of productive time since they are spending more money and valuable time travelling for work. As a result of these two urban issues, lifestyle and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming more prevalent.

Since it is well known that the transport industry generates around 25% of all carbon emissions globally, the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report, which was published in 2022, stressed the urgency of taking action to reduce emissions.

The organisation, which works at the convergence of climate action and sustainable mobility, claimed that specific reforms, investments, and behavioural changes in lifestyle are required in the transportation sector, particularly city transportation, to offset the rising emissions.