Scientists and students of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), organised a cycle rally on its campus on Wednesday morning. The event saw enthusiastic participation from around 250 students, faculty members and staff, all pedalling together to promote the vision of a cleaner, greener, and healthier academic environment. Newly elected Student Council of NDRI office-bearers coordinated the organisation of event.
The eco-rally was flagged off by Dr Dheer Singh, Director of ICAR-NDRI. The participants covered a 5-kilometre route within the campus, raising awareness about the benefits of cycling for personal fitness and environmental conservation.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dheer Singh highlighted that the initiative aimed at serving a three-fold purpose: improving the overall fitness of the campus community, minimising personal and institutional expenditure on medicare through active lifestyles, and drastically lowering the institute’s carbon footprint.
As a testament to its commitment to institutional climate action, the ICAR-NDRI has already imposed a strict vehicular ban for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students within the campus premises. The administration is currently implementing a total ban on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles across the campus in a phased manner. Leading by example, Dr Dheer Singh and several senior officials have adopted bicycles for their daily internal commute, effectively reducing fuel expenditures while actively helping the institute earn valuable carbon credits.
The rally concluded with a collective pledge by the faculty, staff and students to adopt eco-friendly transit methods, positioning the ICAR-NDRI as a model sustainable green campus for higher education institutions nationwide.