Cyclothon organized by PCRA in New Delhi to promote fuel-less transport Posted: 06 Feb 2017 04:54 AM PST New Delhi, 06.02.2017:   A cyclothon was organized today at India Gate as a part of ‘Saksham 2017’ – an initiative by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) and oil and gas sector PSUs, under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum of Natural Gas. The cyclothon was flagged off by Shri Ajay Nishad, Hon’ble MP, Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Col. (Retd.) Sona Ram Choudhary, Hon’ble MP, Barmer (Rajasthan), Smt. Rama Devi, Hon’ble MP Sheohar (Bihar), Shri Rameswar Teli, Hon’ble MP, Dibrugarh (Assam). The Hon’ble MPs, while speaking on the occasion, stressed the need for cycling for better health, environment and fuel conservation.   Shri K D Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, senior officials of the Ministry, CMDs, Directors of various oil and gas sector PSUs led the participation in the event. More than 600 cyclists including celebrities, sports personalities and citizens from different walks of life took part in the event. The Cyclothon and ‘cycle ride’, which began early in the morning at 7.30 a.m., was flagged-off from Amar Jawan Jyoti and culminated at Parliament Gate.   Cheering up the cyclists, Shri K D Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas emphasized the need to optimize fuel consumption. Traveling short distances on foot or cycling, carpooling, route planning, switching off engine at red lights, switching to energy efficient equipment were a few simple tips, the Secretary urged people to adopt in their daily lives. Cycling 30 minutes a day can keep one healthy, young and free from many ailments. It is an excellent inexpensive exercise to strengthen cardiovascular activity, increase brain power, reduce stress and shed body fat. Researchers from the University of Illinois found that a five per cent improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness from cycling led to an improvement of up to 15 per cent in mental test, because cycling helps in building new brain cells in the hippocampus –the Region Responsible for Memory. For a motorist, it is also an attractive financial proposition as this could result in a saving of upto Rs. 1000 per month on fuel bills, besides reducing 36 kilogram CO2 emissions from the environment. ‘Saksham (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mohotsav) 2017’ is a month long drive to spread awareness about fuel and environment conservation during 16th January to 15th February 2017 organised by PCRA. A number of people-connect activities like walkathons, cyclothons, fuel saving concerts, driver training workshops, group talks on LPG saving tips, fuel saving opportunities in transport, domestic, industry and agricultural sectors etc. are being conducted by PCRA and oil & gas sector PSUs to involve masses and create awareness on the need and ways to conserve fuel as a measure towards ensuring India’s energy security and environment protection.