PANAJI: The city of Panaji celebrated World Bicycle Day today in association with Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) and Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP). The cyclothon commenced at Garcia De Orta with over 200 cyclists from all over the state. Mayor Rohit Monserrate, Commissioner Agnelo A.J. Fernandes with actor Spandana Palli and former hockey player Jugdeep Singh flagged off the event.
The United Nations General Assembly declared 3rd June as World Bicycle Day acknowledging the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries, and that it is a simple, affordable, reliable, clean and environmentally fit sustainable means of transportation, fostering environmental stewardship and health. This initiative was supported by Taj, KPC, CAM, Eat Right India, b:live, Rotaract Club in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.
During the flag-off, Agnelo A.J. Fernandes said: “We are proud to bring such initiatives to the people of Panaji who are ever enthusiastic and support sustainability. The response is overwhelming and we thank all our supporters for showing up in big numbers early this morning. Imagine Panaji graciously organised the event helping promote the importance of sustainability and greener Earth for a better future for the younger generation.”
Expressing her excitement, Assistant-Manager, IPSCDL, Nikita Gadkar stated: “We are grateful to all the participants who showed their support today and pledged to adopt a healthier and cleaner lifestyle. Cycling not only helps to stay fit but is also a great way to help keep the environment clean and green.”
Participants came from various backgrounds and of all ages, including professionals, volunteers, students, cycling groups and clubs from panjim. All the cycling enthusiasts started from Garcia De Orta to Dona Paula and back.
Rohit Monserrate said: “Panaji City has always been aware and mindful of a healthy lifestyle and following proper guidelines. Having such events in the city is always a wonderful experience. Special mention to IPSCDL and CCP for pulling off this event successfully. An event of such a big scale needs a lot of planning and days of hardwork and our teams have done a wonderful job. I thank all participants for showing support and cycling through the city in an organised manner. We need to inculcate healthy ways of living in our youth and we will strive towards a greener and cleaner Earth. We work towards bringing the right policies in action to keep the city clean and the residents’ support is always welcomed and appreciated.”
Meanwhile, a ‘Beach cleanliness drive’ will be held on 5th June at Miramar from 7 AM; in continuation to today’s celebration for the occasion of World Environment Day. Sensible Earth, NCC Cadets’ Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, Samrat Club, CCP and IPSCDL will be driving the initiative. Around 6000 cloth bags will be distributed in the markets of Panaji, Mapusa and Margao’”, informed Vivek Parsekar, Municipal Engineer, CCP.
