Mayor urges citizens to use cycles, save fuels at NMC Cycle Marathon

Nagpur: Mayor Neeta Thakre called for greater use of bicycles to conserve fuel while flagging off a cycle marathon organised by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on World Bicycle Day.Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's austerity appeal, Thakre urged citizens to embrace sustainable transport. "Cycling helps reduce fuel consumption while promoting health and environmental sustainability," she said. NMC Commissioner Vipin Itankar echoed the call, encouraging residents to shift to vehicles powered by alternative fuels.The 7-km marathon, organised under NMC's Environment Conservation Fortnight, drew hundreds of cyclists across age groups, including NCC cadets, senior citizens, trade body representatives and cycling enthusiasts. Flagged off from St Ursula School grounds in Civil Lines, the event was held in collaboration with the Fit India Movement, Voice India and ESAF Foundation.Many participants wore costumes highlighting the "Green Nagpur" theme, while others carried placards advocating fuel conservation and eco-friendly mobility.Among them were 85-year-old Shripad Burde of Cotton Market's Subhash Mandal and 77-year-old Rambhau Bondre of KT Nagar, whose fitness and enthusiasm inspired younger cyclists.The event also honoured the city's Under-16 tribal girls' cricket team. Ten players received bicycles in recognition of their achievements, while a cheque of ₹1 lakh was presented toward their education.A 40-member contingent led by Sujata Chaturvedi added colour with a Green Nagpur campaign, decorating bicycles with green flowers and displaying messages promoting fitness, fuel conservation and environmental responsibility.The marathon is part of NMC's series of environmental awareness programmes running from June 5 to June 21.