An Inspiration for All Delhi Teens Change Pollution Discourse in the Capital

As the National Capital Region continues to gasp for fresh air, two Delhi teens— 17-year-old Vihaan Agarwal and his 14-year-old brother Nav’s efforts have changed the discourse of pollution in the country. From the government to the Municipal Corporation and the court, they have become active on this issue and are trying to make Delhi breathable.

Two Delhi teens—17-year-old Vihaan Agarwal and his 14-year-old brother Nav won the prestigious International Children’s Peace Prize in 2021 for their untiring efforts to fight pollution in Delhi. To tackle air pollution, the Delhi Government had taken some notable measures including putting on hold all construction and demolition activities and shutting down all educational institutions for the time being. Over 370 water sprinkler tanks have also been stationed at multiple points in the capital and a special task force of traffic police has been constituted to monitor and ease traffic congestion. The Supreme Court on its part has taken serious note of the pollution emergency in Delhi and adjoining areas.

On the eve of India’s National Children’s Day, during a grand ceremony held in the historic Hall of Knights in The Hague, Netherlands, Kailash Satyarthi, the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, presented the International Children’s Peace Prize, the Nkosi statuette, a study and care grant for their education and a project fund of Euro 100,000 to the boys. Half of the project fund will go to the winner’s theme, and the other half will be invested by KidsRights in the projects of other young changemakers fighting for children’s rights.