Key Points

Covering a distance of 9.5 kilometres, the rally aimed to promote the use of bicycles and renewable energy alternatives over fossil fuel-based transportation.

Around 300 participants from different walks of life joined the cyclothon, which was flagged off from the Western Kangla Gate by Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, Government of Manipur.

The event was organised by the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union, Editors Guild of Manipur, Association of Healthcare Providers (India) Manipur Chapter, River Bank Society, and the Manipur Adventure and Mountain Biking Association (MAAMBA).

Participants carried placards with slogans such as "Renewable Energy, the Solution", "Our Power, Our Planet", "One Step at a Time, We'll Get There", "Keep Earth Green and Clean", and "Let's Preserve Earth for a Sustainable Life".

The 9.5 km route of the rally passed through Keishampat, Keishamthong, Pishum Singjamei, and other parts of Imphal East, concluding at the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change complex in Porompat, Imphal East district.

Dr. Kh. Palin, Managing Director, Shija Hospital and Research Institute and President of the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (Manipur Chapter), stated, "Burning fossil fuels is damaging the planet. Cycling provides health benefits and helps reduce fuel consumption. People need to be aware so that policies can be shaped accordingly. The government can create cycling infrastructure, which will help save the environment."

He added, "The forest is our lungs. Without trees, humans cannot survive. We are responsible for both the damage and the repair of the Earth."

Speaking to ANI, Dr. T. Brajakumar Singh, Director, Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, said, "We are the only generation that can protect the planet. If we fail, the future of life on Earth is uncertain. We must rethink our development model and adopt sustainable lifestyles."

Similarly, Mr. Naveen Katlare, Assistant General Manager, Reserve Bank of India, said climate change is a genuine issue, and we should contribute in our own way.

Joykumar Sharma, an adventurist popularly known as Discover Manipur, said, "The cycle rally will help spread the message of 'Our Power, Our Planet' to more people. We will also conduct slogan corner meetings during the rally."

- ANI