Reiterating their passion to conserve nature, cyclists from Mangaluru have decided to join the ongoing protests against the Yettinahole water diversion project by holding a mega cycle ride on October 4.
The Save Netravathi Ride, expected to be attended by at least 60 cyclists from Mangaluru, would be flagged off by environmentalist Dinesh Holla in front of the City Corporation office at 6 a.m. on October 4. The ride would pass through PVS Junction, Bunts Hostel, Bendore, Kankanady Circle, Pumpwell Circle, Netravathi Bridge and Ullal before stopping at the Netravathi’s confluence with the Arabian Sea.
Speaking to presspersons here on Friday, Ramaraj P.N., one of the cyclists, said another environmentalist, Niranjan from Uppinangady, would address the riders at Ullal. The ride is open to all and anyone aged above 15 and having a bicycle may join the ride, 15 minutes before the start time, Mr. Ramaraj said.
Anil Shet, cyclist, said cycling is perceived closer to nature as the activity does not pollute the environment in any manner. As such, cyclists have decided to exhibit their solidarity with the environment through the ride. They were also upset with the fact that thousands of acres of evergreen forests in the Western Ghats would get destroyed by the Yettinahole project. If that happens, not only the coastal region, but also the hinterlands would be deprived of water due to reduced rains, he said.
Members of Mangalore Cycling Club and Mangalore Bicycle Club, both informal associations of enthusiastic cyclists together having over 500 members, have joined their hands for the ride. Cyclists Anil Shreshtajana Shresht, Shyamprasad Nayak and Smitha Rao were present.
