This Article is From May 02, 2020

Highlights of #TheCycleOfChange Telethon: How Do We Sustain The Environmental Gains Post The Coronavirus Lockdown

The Cycle Of Change, a campaign initiated by Hero Cycles and NDTV aims to sustain the environmental gains from slipping away once the lockdown is lifted

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The Novel Coronavirus induced lockdown has come with environmental gains. While humans are locked up inside their homes, nature is thriving. We are rediscovering what we had lost. Our air is cleaner than it has been for years. Our skies are blue and clear. We need to maintain this beautiful change even after the lockdown is lifted.

Sooner or later the lockdown will be relaxed but the virus will stay with us for a long time and so will our lockdown habits. The campaign aims to provide a platform to discuss life after lockdown; How do we work best with our lockdown habits which are becoming the new normal? How do we keep these environmental gains from slipping away completely?

Here are the Highlights of #TheCycleOfChange Telethon:

May 02, 2020 22:28 (IST)
That's a wrap on #TheCycleOfChange Telethon, here are some of the best moments
May 02, 2020 21:41 (IST)
Watch actor Shriya Saran talk about what the Coronavirus lockdown has taught her
May 02, 2020 21:40 (IST)
Geetam Tiwari on the need to make the roads safer for cyclists
May 02, 2020 21:32 (IST)
Sathya Sankaran , Cycle Mayor, Bengaluru on need for policies to promote cycling in cities


I don't think we should downplay the role of cycle. Half of India's population lives in cities. 40 per cent of air pollution in cities are cased by automobiles. Cycling can kickstart the economy and help the environment. Awareness, policies, can help get people to adopt cycling. 

May 02, 2020 21:29 (IST)
Geetam Tiwari, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Delhi on hurdles on India's roads to popularising cycling


It's not just about greenery but also about safety. Delhi roads are still hostile to cyclists. We have been working on this for last two decades. We proposed bicycle master plan to government to make the roads bicycle friendly. Policy makers and decision makers need to take this up. 

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May 02, 2020 21:25 (IST)
We need to change our agricultural policies and put our focus back on our villages like Gandhiji had said: Vandana Shiva, Environmental Activist and Anti-Globalisation Author


- Coronavirus has made environment a political issue. most problems have come from deforestation, the SARS, MERS, monkey virus, Ebola. The point is coronavirus is a result of invasion in the ecosystem. 

- The same system that has led to the invasion of Amazon have been linked to chronic diseases. Bhopal victims are dying of COVID. I would request government not to give clearance to future pandemics. It is wrong of the Environment minister to give online permits to big projects. 
May 02, 2020 21:15 (IST)
Watch: Nitin Gadkari on #TheCycleOfChange Telethon
May 02, 2020 21:13 (IST)
We don't need much to be happy, little is enough: Shriya Saran, Actress and Model


- We see dolphins and sea life coming back now and I read Ganga has drinkable water now. In India, Delhi has clean air now. How much ever we can do to maintain this and keep our environment is important. we need to protect Mother Earth a little more. 

- In film industry the most important people are cameraman and spot boys, they are the daily wage workers in our industry. It is a big problem for them but we need to somehow manage and get back to shooting. We need to be careful until there's a vaccine. I hope this gets over soon. 
 

May 02, 2020 21:03 (IST)
Firoza Suresh, Cycle Mayor, Mumbai on the telethon:
May 02, 2020 21:00 (IST)
Vesna Jacob, Pilates Expert and Fitness Trainer on Telethon


- Everything can be looked as disaster or an opportunity. I chose the latter. Fitness keeps me grounded and there's no reason why I should continue to do that and get people to do that. We shifted it online and using almost any platform available to create an awareness. Even if the lockdown stops tomorrow, there's a fear and anxiety that has taken up a place in people's mind. 

- This is the time of great disturbance and is unprecedented. I promote integrated holistic approach to fitness. Physical health and spiritual health are important. It will be like a post traumatic stress after COVID, everything will change, even the way we travel and work. Unless we find an outlet from this pressure, it will be difficult to stay calm in this environment. 
May 02, 2020 20:56 (IST)
Lee Feldman, Co-Founder, Bycs on #TheCycleOfChange telethon:
May 02, 2020 20:53 (IST)
Umesh Malik, Vice-President, Public Affairs & Communication, Hindustan Coca Cola and Ashoo Malik, Cycling Enthusiast highlight the need for improving roads in India to encourage safe cycling and encourage more people to adopt this environment-friendly mode of transportation.
May 02, 2020 20:49 (IST)
Dr. Utkal Kishore Khadanga, Consultant Diabetologist, Care Hospital on #TheCycleOfChange telethon:
 
I cycle a lot. Last month I cycled 1000 kms, I try 50 kms per day. It helps me stay fit and stress free. and it inspires my patients as well as they see fitter doctor advising them. 
May 02, 2020 20:45 (IST)
Aditya Munjal, Director, Hero Cycles and CEO, Lectro E-Mobility on the telethon:

When it comes to sustainability, our group's vision is to create new innovation and promote adoption of products like the e-cycle, it has numerous advantages. Our cycles start with base price of 20,000. It can be adopted in E-commerce and deliveries.





May 02, 2020 20:39 (IST)
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Road Transport and Highways of India on telethon:

Since 7-8 years, I've been pushing for e-vehicles. Not just pollution has reduced but we used to have 5 lakh accidents every year now this has reduced as well. Despite the people dying due to COVID, the total deaths have still come down because there are no road accident deaths. We need to think about how to maintain our environment.  

May 02, 2020 20:35 (IST)
After Sachin Pilot, actor Divya Dutta joins the telethon and recites a poem she as written on the impact of Coronavirus lockdown:
May 02, 2020 20:30 (IST)
Sachin Pilot on #TheCycleOfChange Telethon:

I think after lockdown lifts, to get the life back on track we have plans. But will it work? Environment benefits are coming at an economic cost. In Rajasthan we want to revive our economy, we want to adopt best practice. We need to ensure social distance. Contribution of people is important. If we want to leave good environment for future generations we need behavioural change. As a community and citizens we need to be responsible. 

May 02, 2020 20:26 (IST)
Sachin Pilot, Deputy Chief Minister, Rajasthan on #TheCycleOfChange Telethon:
May 02, 2020 20:18 (IST)
Actor, Zayed Khan on how he is keeping fit during the lockdown
 

- The biggest advantage you have is the gravity whether it is pushups, squats, etc. sometimes it is important to take sun, go out, take a walk and take some fresh air. It will help you develop. These things are also important.

- I have two kids - 8 and 12, they keep me quite active and I keep them active. I have a routine where I take them downstairs and make them do army drills and join with them. The idea is to keep the mind and body fit for the balance.

May 02, 2020 20:13 (IST)
Cycling is one of the best exercises to keep fit: Jemimah Rodrigues, Women's ODI and T20 Cricket Team



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