Environmentalist Sunita Narain stable after hit-and-run mishap

Hit by a car while cycling, environmental activist Sunita Narain on Monday said cyclists in Indian cities are being edged out systematically to make way for cars.

"Cyclists in Indian cities are being edged out systematically to make way for cars," Narain, who heads the NGO Centre for Science and Environment and is admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences trauma centre, said.

Narain sustained injuries on her face, nose and both arms after being hit while cycling. Doctors treating her said that she is recovering and her condition is stable. "She is responding to the medicines and her condition is stable," Dr Kamran Farooque from AIIMS said.

Narain underwent a nine-hour surgery during which two titanium rods were implanted in her arms. Her nose required sutures and may need some corrective surgeries later.

 The activist was hit by a speeding car in the early hours of Sunday near AIIMS when she was going to Lodhi Garden from her house in Green Park.

Narain and CSE have been vocal supporters of people's right to walk and cycle on the roads of urban India. According to CSE, Narain cycles every day with her trainer as part of her routine.

A case of causing injuries due to rash and negligent driving has been filed at Hauz Khaz police station in this regard. "A case has been registered against unknown persons. We are yet to record Narain's statement as she had undergone a nine-hour surgery. Her statement would help us in the investigation," a senior police official said.

Image: Environmental activist Sunita Narain

Photograph: Wikipedia