On Pawar’s b’day,NCP launches campaign on global warming

On its chief Sharad Pawar’s 69th birthday on Saturday,the NCP organised several programmes — including a Mumbai-Pune cycle race — and launched a year-long campaign to create awareness on global warming. The party is also planning to train ‘Green Guards’ from amongst its activists across the state to reach out to the masses on global warming.

The Mumbai-Pune cycle race was flagged off in Mumbai by Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and NCP state chief Madhukar Pichad in the presence of Home Minister RR Patil and Mumbai unit chief Narendra Verma. Around 150 cyclists participated in the race organised in association with the Baramati Mitra Mandal and the Maharashtra Cycling Association.

The race was won by C Rajesh from Tamil Nadu who reached Pune in 4.21.36 hours. The runner-up was Harpreet Singh from Punjab who finished four seconds later.

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The NCP also hoisted the party flag at its office and its leaders took an oath of protecting the environment. Tulsi plants were also distributed. New Mumbai unit chief Narendra Verma took charge on the occasion.

The party is planning to train ‘Green Guards’ from among its cadres across the state. “The intention is to create such green guards in all our 60 district units,” a senior NCP leader said.