Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg rode his bicycle from his official residence to the GVMC headquarters on Monday morning, officially kicking off the “Let’s Control Pollution… Let’s Use Bicycles” campaign. Several municipal officials and staff accompanied him, signaling strong institutional backing for the program.

Background and Objectives

Faced with rising air‑quality concerns, GVMC is promoting sustainable urban mobility by making cycling a regular, city‑wide practice. Garg emphasized, “Cycling is one of the most effective ways to promote public health, conserve fuel, and protect our environment.” The initiative targets multiple layers of impact—from individual well‑being to collective environmental stewardship.

Health and Environmental Benefits

Regular cycling improves cardiovascular health, enhances physical fitness, and supports mental well‑being, reducing the risk of lifestyle‑related ailments such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Reducing reliance on motor vehicles also trims the city’s carbon footprint, leading to cleaner air and a healthier urban ecosystem.

Call for Community Participation

GVMC has appealed to private firms, educational institutions and voluntary organisations to observe every Monday as “Cycling Day.” Commissioner Garg articulated a vision of a “Green Vizag – Healthy Vizag” and urged citizens to spread the pollution‑control message to every household. If embraced widely, the program could become a template for other Indian metros seeking to blend health promotion with environmental action.