KU takes ‘green step’ towards pollution-free campus

Centre of Excellence for Women Studies to receive donation of 50 bicycles

KARACHI:

In a giant step to transform the Karachi University into a model varsity free of air pollution, the Climate Action Centre has pledged to donate 50 bicycles to the Centre of Excellence for Women Studies, aiming to create a carbon-free environment at the campus.

A bicycle riding event was organised by the KU to promote this commuting option to raise awareness among female students about the importance of the environment and their role in combatting air pollution. This initiative is expected to greatly benefit the varsity's female students, offering them an affordable and sustainable means of transportation.

Women's studies teachers have suggested that the organisation dedicated to address climate change should provide electric bikes to KU's female teachers.

Also read: CYCLING FOR FREEDOM, FROM KABUL TO BERLIN

Dr Asma Manzoor, the Incharge of the Centre of Excellence for Women Studies, said, the initiative not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also contributes to reducing environmental pollution. “Climate Action Centre will donate 50 bicycles to the Department of Women's Studies, enabling the students to easily move between different departments,” she told The Express Tribune.

Assistant Professor Seema Manzoor highlighted the numerous health benefits of cycling, such as improved respiratory health and better control of conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure. “Female students will now have the convenience of moving across the campus easily,” she added.

The initiative is being launched in the first phase at the Centre of Excellence for Women Studies, with plans to extend it to the entire university in the second phase. Bicycle stands will be set up in every department ensuring students have access to two-wheelers for easy transportation.

Seema emphasised that adopting bicycles as a means of transport would significantly reduce air pollution.

Read more: Chronic air pollution in Punjab

Students have warmly welcomed the bicycle riding activity, stating that they previously had to wait for rickshaws to move between departments, and the fare for rickshaw rides has been increasing. With this new facility, they can effortlessly commute between different departments.

Representatives of the Climate Action Centre said that the bicycle activity aims to promote a healthy lifestyle among female students. In a spirited display of support, students from the Centre of Excellence for Women Studies organised a bicycle rally, traveling from the UBL ground to the Pharmacy Department, and had a great time.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2023.