As many as 55 members of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), who have embarked on a 1,7650km ‘Karnataka Darshan’ cycling expedition, arrived in Udupi on Friday. The expedition began began from Bidar on July 12 and will conclude in Bengaluru on July 25.
The group, which began cycling from Shivamogga early in the morning, reached Udupi in the afternoon to a rousing reception. Speaking to reporters at the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple here, Bhaskar Rao, Additional Director-General of Police, KSRP, said there were too many resignations, deaths and a high attrition rate in the force, and the expedition was organised to galvanise KSRP personnel.
En route, the cyclists also focussed on socially relevant issues such as open defecation in Vijayapura. They also took up the ‘Kannada Ulisi, Kannada Belasi’ theme in Belagavi.
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The group also set out planning to touch five tourism circuits in the State, and it has already gone to Vijayapura and Hampi. The KSRP personnel also planted saplings wherever they had stayed en route.
Local participation
On an average, the cyclists have covered 165 km a day. “Wherever our expedition has gone, we have got encouragement from the people. In many places, local cycling clubs welcomed us into their cities and towns and then accompanied us for some distance when we left those places,” he said.
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Mr. Rao also pointed out that while he was 53 years old, the rest of the members in the group were under 25. “It has been an enriching experience for us throughout the journey,” he said.
Replying to a query, Mr. Rao said that from next year, women would join the KSRP. Already, 125 women are being trained for the purpose. Two women battalions have been formed and they will be filled in phases, he said.
The expedition will conclude in front of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister of State for Fisheries, Youth Empowerment and Sports Pramod Madhwaraj are expected to be present at that function.