Chennai: In its fourth year since inception on 11 October 2015, The Hindu Car-Free Sundays in association with the Corporation of Chennai, Chennai Traffic Police, ITDP and City Connect saw Chennaiites come together this Sunday, 17 November 2019, to continue their fitness journey in an environment that is not only free of vehicles but pollution too.In the wake of the recent levels of unhealthy air and pollution in Chennai and Delhi, The Hindu Car-Free Sundays is a welcoming sight to the people, a pioneering initiative started way back in 2015.
‘Car Free Sundays’ transforms, week on week, a busy road into a vibrant community gathering, with a motley group of people descending upon the stretch to participate in various activities. From Zumba, Yoga, Frisbee, Badminton, Football, Board games – traditional and modern, Reading Zone, Pottery, Puppet Show, Storytelling to Entertainment activities like traditional and freestyle dance, the 800m stretch along the coastline of Elliot’s Beach, Besant Nagar is Chennai’s most-happening Sunday morning hangout.
Navaneeth L V, Chief Executive Officer, The Hindu Group said, “The Hindu Car-Free Sundays is an initiative we are proud of. We are also looking to expand in more areas within Chennai and in other cities. What began as a one-off outing has now gone on to become a weekly habit for many regulars. This could not have been possible without the support of our partners and the love from the people.”
Suresh Balakrishna, Chief Revenue Officer, The Hindu Group said,“Car-free interventions are a prime example of a comprehensive public health intervention. Car Free Sundays encourage social well-being through reduced environmental pollution. This is indeed a place for community building, and people from all walks of life enjoy this motor-free zone.”
