TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Goa Legislative Assembly Speaker Rajendra Arlekar and Environment Minister Alina Saldanha on Sunday batted for cycling as a means to control air pollution and protect the environment.
Arlekar went a step further to say that the government of the day will be compelled to make a lane for bicycles, while expressing his happiness that many MLAs in the just concluded Assembly session have rooted for bicycle lanes on the road.
In her address at the valedictory function of the rally organized by Rotary Club of Margao Midtown, the Environment Minister said that cycling at short distances will not only keep one healthy, but also help protect the air and flora and fauna. “Students and adults alike can use cycles as a means of travel to the school and markets. This will keep you fit and healthy and also save the environment”, she added.
Saldanha said the rising human and vehicular population is contributing in a big way to air pollution across the world. “Burning fuel releases exhaust fumes that are oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur that pollute the air, causing respiratory problems”, she said.
While complimenting Rotary International Midtown for organising the event, the minister hoped that the cycle rally will become an annual feature to spread awareness amongst the people.
Over 100 people participated in the rally which was flagged off by the Speaker from the Ravindra Bhavan. The rally wended its way through the city’s thoroughfare before culminating at the same venue.
Sixty-five-year-old Nishikant Volvoikar and two-year-old Steve D’Costa were amongst the participants at the rally.
Rotary Club of Margao Midtown Shibu Raghunathan promised to make the event an annual affair.
