Silchar: Saksham Walkathon organized by Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) on Sunday in Silchar drew overwhelming response with more than 500 participants joining in. With the purpose of drawing mass attention and sensitizing various groups of society on the need and benefits of petroleum products conservation, this Walkathon was held as part of Walkathons organized in 624 districts simultaneously across the country.
The Walkathon was flagged off by MLA of Silchar Constituency Dilip Kumar Paul, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Barnali Sharma in presence of Cachar SP Manabendra Dev Ray, BJP District General Secy. Kanad Purkayastha, Silchar Ward Commissioner Madhumita Sharma, Sr CGM (CA)- NRL Nikunja Borthakur, DGM (Corporate Communications)- NRL Madhuchanda Adhikari, SM ( Admin) - NRL Kangkan Das and a host of other dignitaries. Students from various schools and colleges of Silchar including NIT Silchar, members from the civil society and police battalion also thronged the event in large numbers. Participants started off the Walkathon from the Police Parade Ground to Premtala through Silchar Town and back to the starting point.
Earlier, Sr. CGM (CA)- NRL Nikunja Borthakur welcomed the dignitaries and participants to the SAKSHAM Walkathon. Thereafter, SAKSHAM pledge was administered amongst the gathering by DGM(Corporate Communications)- NRL Madhuchanda Adhikari. During the inauguration session, MLA of Silchar Constituency Dilip Kumar Paul reiterated the importance of imbibing values of fuel conservation amongst children and urged elders to set good examples for them. Cachar DC Barnali Sharma stressed on the importance of awareness in saving our environment from further damage. She said that walking has age-old proven health benefits and this year’s tagline for Walkathon - ‘Burn fat, not fuel’ is sending across an apt message amongst the masses. Speaking on the increased use of petroleum products due to modern lifestyles, BJP Distt General Secy Kanad Purkayastha urged everyone to consciously adopt walking and cycling in their daily routine and contribute to this nationwide conservation drive.
The Walkathon is part of Saksham (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) 2020, a month-long campaign observed across the country from 16th January 16, February 15 and promoted under the tagline ‘ Indhan Adhik Na Khapayen, Aao Paryavaran Bhachayen’. Spearheaded by Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) with the help of Public Sector Oil & Gas companies under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG), Govt. of India, the objective of this campaign is to sensitize the masses about the conservation and efficient use of petroleum products for better health and environment. This is the second event organized by NRL in Silchar to create awareness on the benefits of conservation of petroleum products, after a successful Cycle Day organized on January 19, stated a press release.