NATIONAL, 30 APRIL, 2023 (GPN): Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) under the aegis of Petroleum Conservation Research Association has organised ‘Saksham Cyclothon and Walkathon 2023’ on Sunday, April 30 2023.

The event is being organised in an effort to instil a socio-environmental consciousness and aims to increase awareness among the masses about the need to cycle and walk for better health, and a green environment.

The Saksham Cyclothon and Walkathon are an initiative by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), a non-profit organization set up in 1978 under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, engaged in promoting energy efficiency in various sections of the economy.

Oil Industry in J&K comprising IOC, BPC & HPC under the flag of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, a ‘Cyclothon’ was organized to sensitize citizens about the need of fuel conservation for health and environmental protection as well as to help India its reliance on crude oil import.

The Cyclothon was flagged off by Anjani Kumar, State Level Co-coordinator, Oil Industry cum Divisional Retail Sales Head, IOCL from Indian Oil Divisional Office Complex at Rail Head Jammu today in presence of Officials of IOC, BPC & HPC.

The ‘SAKSHAM’ is an annual flagship event of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), of 15 days duration. The cyclists from all age groups including school children as well as adults and professional cyclists from various Jammu based Cycling Clubs participated in the rally.

The objective of the Cyclothon was to make the citizens aware about the need of conservation of petroleum products as well as motivating people to move towards cleaner alternatives such as cycling. As the petroleum products are scarce in nature, so through this event youth is also made aware about the “sustainable management of resources”.

Anjani Kumar gave a brief on the importance of oil conservation by employing various day to day activities which included cycling by the citizens. He particularly emphasized on using helmets and other safety kits for safety while riding bicycles.

Eshu Kumar, Territory Manager, BPCL informed that the awareness programme which was inaugurated on April 24 under the title SAKSHAM 2023 (Sanrakshan Kshmata Mahotsav) will conclude on May 8.

He further briefed about various activities to be observed during these 15 days campaign including painting, essay competitions in schools, workshops for drivers, mechanics, LPG panchayat, workshop for motor mechanics etc.

Sandeep Kumar Raina, Territory Manager-LPG, BPCL Jammu encouraged the participants and thanked them for their participation in the event to make it successful.

Senior Cyclist from Jammu Cyclists Club, Balvinder Singh (Goldy) also shared his views and thanked the organizers for this event. The rally passed through various areas of Jammu city and culminated finally at Indian Oil Petrol Pump at Nagrota Bypass.

Similarly Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) organised a Cyclothon to promote ‘Energy Conservation towards Net Zero’ on April 30.

This event was celebrated as part of SAKSHAM -2023, or SAMRAKSHAN KSHAMTA MAHOTSAV.

SAKSHAM is celebrated under the aegis of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), MOPNG (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas), to promote energy conservation among industries and the general public towards achieving the twin objectives of better health and environment and securing the availability of Oil and Gas for future generations.

MRPL organised Cyclothon in association with various clubs and Cycling enthusiasts of Mangaluru. More than 300 enthusiasts aged 5 to 70 participated in the event.

The cyclothon was flagged off by Shyam Prasad Kamath, ED – Refinery and Krishna Hegde, GGM – HR, in the presence of senior officers and employees who participated in the event in large numbers.

The cyclothon started at 6:20 hrs from Canara College, followed the route through Jail Road, Bejai Circle, KSRTC Bus stand, Lal Bagh, Ballal Bagh and back to Canara College Ground at MG Road, Kodialbail, Mangaluru. All cyclists participated actively, spreading the message of energy conservation.

The members of the Rotary Club of Baikampady, Mangaluru downtown and Mangalore Port Town supported this event with their active participation. We Are cycling, Mangalore Cycling Club, joined with MRPL for the Cyclothon and Mangalore Cycling Co. and TI Cycles India. MRPL Hospital, Security Dept., together with Mangaluru Traffic Police, ensured the smooth movement of cyclists during cyclothon.

The refreshment was served at Canara College ground, the concluding point. T–Shirts and caps were distributed to all the participants.Ends