New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Encouraging a sporty way to raise awareness among people about need to keep the Yamuna clean, a cyclothon is being organised by an NGO Swechha in the capital Sunday with about 1,000 people participating, say organisers.

“We decided to organise a cyclothon that would in a unique way sensitise youth and the public on environmental issues, particularly those surrounding the Yamuna,” said Vanessa Spencer, senior programme coordinator with Swechha.

The NGO deals with various environmental and social developmental issues. The cyclothon along the length of the river Yamuna will be a pledge of support to Delhi’s ailing river and reinforce a commitment to environmentally conscious citizens.

Starting at 7 a.m. from St. Stephens College, the cyclists will move towards Wazirabad Barrage via Vishvavidyalya Metro Station and then take a U-turn from the end of the barrage. The campaigners then will cycle along the Ring Road (NH-1 Bypass) to the Lohapul before making their way back to the North Campus of the university.

In order to get people involved, the NGO has been conducting a series of pre-events, namely flash/smart mobs and workshops at various venues in the capital, said Vanessa.