Central Pollution Control Board and Centre for Science and Environment Join Hands with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to Promote Clean Air and Healthy Living
New Delhi, November 2: The 46th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle—titled “Pedal for Clean Air”—became a powerful call for fitness and environmental awareness as nearly 500 citizens cycled through New Delhi’s streets, joined by thousands more from over 10,000 locations across India.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat, this edition saw special participation from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), emphasizing the message that “Clean Air, Fit Body” should be India’s shared mission.
Cycling for a Cleaner, Fitter India
At Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, nearly 500 participants—including athletes, students, and fitness enthusiasts—joined the morning cycling rally. The event featured gymnasts Sneha Tariyal, international medalist at the Asian Championships, and Priyanshu Nath Thakur, sub-junior national gold medalist, alongside Olympian gymnastics coach Lakhan Sharma.
Voices for Clean Air
CSE Director-General Mrs. Sunita Narain highlighted the link between fitness and environmental health, stating, “Our air has to be clean, and in the same way our health will improve. The Sports Ministry’s and SAI’s Fit India initiatives go hand in hand with environmental cleanliness. Cycling is the biggest mechanism to combat pollution.”
Echoing her sentiment, young gymnast Priyanshu Nath Thakur, 15, said, “We are all looking for fresh air. Cycling keeps our body and mind healthy and strong.”
Nationwide Participation
Beyond Delhi, Fit India Sundays on Cycle events were held simultaneously across the nation, including SAI STC Kargil, SAI Lucknow, SAI Rohtak, STC Mastuana Sahib, STC Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), STC Golaghat, NCOE Jagatpur & STC Cuttack, and SAI Guwahati, among others.
What began in December 2024 with about 500 participants in Delhi and 1,000 locations nationwide has evolved into a vibrant public movement that now gathers over 50,000 participants weekly from 6,000 locations. The initiative has so far engaged more than 14.5 lakh citizens across 1.25 lakh locations, becoming a powerful national movement for fitness, sustainability, and social unity.
Growing Impact and Inspiration
Olympian coach Lakhan Sharma praised the growth of the movement: “This is a great initiative nearing one year. So many people have joined us from all over India, and we must continue expanding it.”
Gymnast Sneha Tariyal added, “Old to young, everyone is here to cycle. It keeps you healthy and helps combat pollution. I see cyclists training daily at IG Stadium—it gives them strength and endurance. Even normal people should cycle, run, and stay fit to inspire others.”
Recognition and Support
The growing success of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was highlighted in the 117th episode of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, where he praised citizens uniting every Sunday to celebrate health, joy, and togetherness through fitness.
The movement is further supported by over 3,500 NaMo Fit India Cycling Clubs, which have become the backbone of this citizen-driven fitness wave, ensuring weekly participation in the cycling celebration nationwide.
A True Jan Andolan
Under the guidance of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, the initiative has transformed into a true Jan Andolan for fitness. Participants include Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), doctors, teachers, government employees, students, MPs, MLAs, lawyers, postmen, healthcare workers, safai senanis, state police forces, and Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs). These diverse groups have helped bring the campaign to every corner of the nation, turning local streets and parks into vibrant hubs of energy, fitness, and camaraderie.