Green Games’ Sustainable Transport Rally spreads the message of eco-friendliness

Keeping up with the Green theme of the Delhi 2010, the Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) today organised Sustainable Transport Rally comprising of eco-friendly means of transport like cycles and electric (battery running) cars and scooters.

Almost 200 enthusiasts from all walks of life, young and old participated in the 8 km long rally. Cycle rally was flagged off by Shera, the Games mascot, from the OC CWG Delhi 2010 Headquarters and the other rally comprising of electric vehicles started from Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit’s residence. Mrs Dikshit herself drove an electric car Reva. Apart from the Cheif Minister, Mrs. Kiran Walia, Health Minister of Delhi. Mr. R. K. Pachauri, MD, TERI, Mr. Parimal Rai, Chairman , NDMC, Mr. P. K. Tripathi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Mr. V. K. Verma, DG of the OC CWG Delhi 2010 participated in the Rally. Both rallies culminated at Commonwealth Gardens in Africa Avenue, Chanakyapuri where the Chief Minister and other guests planted a sapling in the Commonwealth Garden. 

Speaking on the occasion Mrs Dikshit said we need to spend our natural resources wisely as there are many species but only one Earth. She lauded the efforts of children, RWAs, women organisations and NGOs to make Delhi one of the greenest cities in India and in the world.

“Delhi is one of the largest cities. We need to strike a balance between the huge, rising population and the natural resources and spend them wisely. Almost 42% of the clean, fresh water available to Delhi is wasted, we must change our habits. Fuel consumption is another reason for environmental pollution hence battery run vehicles are an option. We must have courage to demand clean fuel so that companies provide us the same.”

Mr. Pachauri said, “It is heartening to see many young people today turning up to protect environment. We must work together to make sure that we bring prosperity for all.”

Mr. Verma said OC CWG Delhi 2010 is committed make Delhi 2010 the first ever Green Games. Delhi Government’s initiative for clean transport like Metro, Cycling tracks for cyclists, etc., are playing huge role in improving Delhi’s air quality. 

The Chief Minister released State of Environment Report for Delhi 2010. Bonsais were presented to all the guests. The Rally that travelled to different parts of the city spread the message  Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.