Chief Secretary V. Srinivas flags off the event; Environment Secretary Shailja Deval distributes certificates to participants
Jaipur, November 2026: A ‘Cyclothon for All’ was organised in Jaipur on Sunday as part of the inauguration of the ‘BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week’, with the aim of promoting environmental protection, clean air and sustainable lifestyles in Rajasthan.
The event was jointly organised by the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, the Department of Environment and the International Society for Life Sciences. A large number of cycling enthusiasts, young people and environmentally conscious citizens participated enthusiastically.
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, the chief guest, flagged off the cyclothon. Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department Anand Kumar, Environment Secretary Shailja Deval, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Kapil Chandrawal, senior officials of the Board and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Cycling is not just a means of transport but a symbol of commitment to a healthy lifestyle and clean air: Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary V. Srinivas said environmental protection was not merely the responsibility of the government but a collective responsibility of every citizen. People must adopt small changes in their lifestyles to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.
He said cycling was not just an alternative mode of transport but also a symbol of commitment to a healthy lifestyle, clean air and environmental protection. If every individual adopted environment-friendly alternatives in daily life, achieving the goal of sustainable development would become possible.
He emphasised that public participation was essential to address challenges such as climate change and air pollution. Making environment-friendly alternatives such as cycling a part of everyday life could contribute significantly to energy conservation, pollution reduction and better health.
Public participation and behavioural change essential for environmental protection: Additional Chief Secretary
Additional Chief Secretary Anand Kumar said public participation and behavioural change were extremely important for environmental protection. Events such as the cyclothon encouraged people to understand their responsibility towards the environment and adopt sustainable lifestyles.
He said every citizen should incorporate environment-friendly habits into their daily routine to ensure the conservation of nature and natural resources.
Citizens should make environment-friendly habits part of their lifestyle: Environment Secretary
Environment Secretary Shailja Deval said environmental protection efforts could become comprehensive and effective only when every citizen adopted environment-friendly habits in daily life.
She said simple and practical alternatives such as cycling not only helped reduce air pollution but also played an important role in building a healthy society.
The enthusiastic participation of people from different age groups in the cyclothon reflected the growing public awareness about environmental protection, she said. Encouraging the participants, Deval urged them to incorporate the message of the event into their everyday lives and motivate others to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
During the programme, guests and participants also took a pledge to protect the environment, control pollution, use energy and natural resources judiciously, and adopt sustainable lifestyles.
At the conclusion of the event, Environment Secretary Shailja Deval distributed certificates to the participants and encouraged them.
The cyclothon began at the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board premises and proceeded via Apex Circle in Malviya Nagar to the North Western Railway headquarters. Participants cycled enthusiastically to spread the message of a clean, green and healthy Rajasthan.
The event aimed to encourage people to use environment-friendly modes of transport, such as bicycles, instead of private vehicles and to develop a sense of collective responsibility towards pollution control.
It is noteworthy that this initiative, organised under the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week, is an important step towards turning environment-friendly living into a mass movement and ensuring active citizen participation in achieving sustainable development goals.
