The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) from its Heritage Committee has successfully organized the third edition of the "Pedal Through Heritage," a unique heritage cycling tour supported by the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal, East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority, and New Town Kolkata Development Authority on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 6 a.m. onwards to commemorate World Bicycle Day and World Environment Day.

The primary goal of this initiative was to raise awareness about the ecological sustainability of the wetlands around the Newtown area. These wetlands are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance necessary for the sustenance of biodiversity, as well as to highlight the issue of air pollution and promote the use of bicycles as an efficient means to combat these environmental challenges.

The initiative has grown in popularity over the years and had enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of cyclists who were eager to explore the cultural and natural heritage of the region. Approximately 60 participants from the government, corporate sector, and academia joined the tour, making it a significant event for raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable transportation.

The cycling tour commenced with a flag-off ceremony at the New Town Business Club at 6 a.m., by Smt. Tripti Sah, IFS, Chief Environment Officer of the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal, and Ms. Sukanya Bose, Director, BCC&I. The cyclists then rode through Chacker Bherry. In total, around 60 participants representing the government, corporates, and academia joined the tour.

Mr. G. M. Kapur, Chairperson of the Heritage Committee, BCC&I, said, "We, the Heritage Committee of The Bengal Chamber, are commemorating World Environment Day as well as World Bicycle Day today. A sustainable transportation system that includes and celebrates cycling is necessary today in order to reduce the environmental impact caused by carbon and other emissions. Physical well-being, as well as the health of the environment, can be looked after simultaneously by the cycling initiative."

The third edition of the Heritage Cycling Tour was presented by the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal, supported by the East Kolkata Wetlands Management Authority (EKWMA) and New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA); and partnered by Swach Environment Pvt. Ltd., San Global Scientific OPC Pvt. Ltd., Tax Connect Advisory Services LLP, Unirox Bikes, Chowman Hospitality Ltd., Cycling Partners 2WheelsKolkata, Cyclology, and Energy Partner Fast&Up. The initiative was well appreciated by all participants.