More than 50,000 youth pedalled across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday as part of a mega cycling initiative organised by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) to combat the growing drug menace under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan’.
The synchronised event, held under the guidance of Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, and Director General Anuradha Gupta, witnessed simultaneous turnouts across 187 zones of the Union Territory, officials said.
In Pulwama, the cycling event began early morning from the circular road crossing near the District Jail, covering a three-km route through Chattapora. Participants, including students, youth club members and local athletes, pedalled together to promote physical fitness and a drug-free lifestyle, said Zonal Physical Education Officer, Kakapora, Shahnawaz Hussain.
Similar rallies were held in Bandipora from Kangri Chowk to Forest Ground in Chatternaar, and across all zones of Budgam including Nagam, Narbal, Magam and Chadoora, officials added.
In Anantnag, a district-level rally was flagged off from Bona Dailgam to Government Boys Higher Secondary School, while a separate awareness programme and anti-drug pledge ceremony was organised at Bijbehara Railway Station in coordination with the Railway Police.
Border districts of Rajouri and Poonch also witnessed enthusiastic participation. District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Rajouri, Wali Mohd said establishing regular cycling routines serves as an effective and accessible way to maintain holistic wellness.
In Srinagar, a ‘Sunday on Cycles’ rally was flagged off from SKICC Gate along Boulevard Road to Nishat Garden. Mohammad Adeel of Zone Gulab Bagh won the boys’ category, while Farah Ahad of Zone Amira Kadal secured first position among girls. A large-scale anti-drug pledge ceremony was also held at the culmination point.
Officials said the massive turnout across all districts, including Reasi, Kathua, Shopian and others, demonstrates a unified community resolve against substance abuse. The campaign successfully integrated the Fit India Movement with the ongoing 100-day special campaign of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, they added. (KNS)