Bhubaneswar, March 13 (IANS) Eager to do his bit to save the environment, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP has asked Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar for permission to come to parliament on a bicycle.
“As there is no provision for the entry of bicycles into parliament, I have sought permission from the speaker through which gate I should enter,” Bhartuhari Mahatab told IANS.

He has also asked for a cycle stand in the parliament premises.

“After the parliament attack, security has been beefed up. One can either walk in or enter into the parliament in a vehicle. But there is no provision for the entry and parking of bicycles,” Mahatab said.

“I suggested that instead of preaching about climate change and environment protection, let us do something ourselves. If some members come by bicycle to parliament, it will certainly have an impact on others,” he said.

Mahatab said he has a bicycle in Delhi and often rides it.

His suggestion at the parliamentary forum for climate change, headed by the speaker, was supported by other members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

“Some of the members of the forum supported the idea including the speaker. She told that had she been my age she would have loved to ride a bicycle,” Mahatab said.