Kolhapur: A group of youths will undertake a painstaking nine-day cycling journey from Pune to Kanyakumari on December 17 for promoting use of cycles to workplace. In their journey, the group plans to cover cities like Islampur, Kolhapur, Udupi, Cochin and Calicut.
According to the group, cycling will not only lead to reduction in air pollution, but will also promote healthy lifestyle. So what prompted them to take up the 1,571-km long journey? "The recent cases of air pollution and its harmful effects," said a group member.
Talking about their expedition, leader of the group AbhijeetKupate — who hails from Kolhapur — said, "Our cities have become gas chambers. It is difficult to live a healthy life owing to rise in air pollution and vehicles play an important role in it. Earlier, I used to come to office by car, but I changed my mind and started using cycle. I travel almost 10 km every day. It saves me diesel bills worth of Rs 80,000 in just span of two years. I then spread the idea in my company."
He added, "This in initiative to reach out to more people and make them aware about environment, cycling and pollution. As said by the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi, be the change you want see in world. We are optimistic about our journey. We will visit schools, colleges, government and private offices. There are seven participants in this journey, including four from Pune."
Kirtiraj Desai, who works in Government Polytechnic, said, "We are on a mission to sensitise people about environment and health. Cycle is a personal weapon to fight against air pollution. It also helps maintain good health. The municipal corporation should lay down exclusive lanes cycle riders in cities. It is our responsibility to maintain our environment clean and healthy."
He added, "Citizens are coming forward to save the environment. It is a positive social change."
