NEW DELHI: As many as 130 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, including 65 women, will participate in the second edition of CISF Coastal Cyclothon that will see them pedal across the country’s 6,553-km mainland coastline, covering both the eastern and western sides, over 25 days starting Jan 28.The cycling expedition is part of CISF’s “landmark, national initiative” aimed at raising awareness among residents of seaside villages and towns on coastal security threats and preparedness and instilling in them a feeling of national unity and community participation. This year being the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, the CISF cyclothon will spread the patriotic essence of ‘Vande Mataram’, CISF said.Junior minister in the ministry of home affairs Nityanand Rai will virtually flag off the CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon on Jan 28 from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. Over the next 25 days, two separate teams of CISF personnel will cycle from Lakhpat Fort in Kachchh, Gujarat, along the western coast and Bakkhali, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, along the eastern coast, before converging in Kochi on Feb 22.The cyclothon will see the CISF sensitising coastal communities on threats such as the smuggling of drugs, weapons and explosives, encouraging vigilance and strengthening partnerships between coastal communities and security agencies for a robust coastal security network.
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