Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) Around 40 vintage cars, bikes and scooters, including Buicks, Lambrettas and Vespas, drove around the city Tuesday to campaign for the cause of conserving water.

The drive was flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and was jointly organised by the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the Heritage Motor Club of India (HMCI).

“These cars are so beautiful that they appear to be handcrafted. A drive like this shows how aware our citizens are and I feel proud that people of Delhi are working together for such a noble cause,” Dikshit told reporters here after flagging off the rally.

Flags and banners with the message ‘Save Water’ printed on them fluttered from various vehicles. Traversing a distance of around 55 km around the city, the rally would conclude at YMCA in central Delhi.

“We just want to show people that if we can conserve cars that are 50 years old, then they could at least conserve water. This is a fun way to support a serious cause,” Prem Chandana, who had brought his 1928 Ford along, told IANS.

The beautiful cars, scooters and bikes were lined outside Dikshit’s home and had the aficionados and the public awestruck as some asked the owners to divulge details about the paintjob and tyres of the vehicle. Others recalled they saw one of the classics in a flick from yesteryears.

“Heads turn whenever we take these classics out for a spin. So, I am sure that with these banners and flags attached, our message would reach out to people,” said Yadvinder Singh, 30, owner of a 1959 brown and white Lambretta scooter.

Said Arnold James, chairman programmes committee of YMCA: “It is important that the public at large know how very crucial it is to conserve water. These cars are a great attraction and an engaging tool to spread the message of saving water.”