Cyclist from Mizoram reaches Nagaland with clean air message

KOHIMA — Driven by a desire to contribute for the nation, Vanlallawmzuala Varte, a 35-year-old cyclist from Aizawl in Mizoram, arrived in Nagaland on October 21 as part of his cross-country cycling tour to raise awareness about clean air.

Varte, popularly known as LZ Varte, has already pedaled through 25 states, covering approximately 16,300 km and an elevation gain of 1.10 lakh metre, since he began his tour nearly nine months ago.

A welcome programme was organised for Varte at the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) in Kohima, during which he shared his observations from his journey.

He noted that air pollution levels in every state he visited, including those in the Northeast, exceeded permissible limits. He also highlighted the stark contrast in weather conditions across the country, and said that the Northeast region has relatively pleasant weather and lower air pollution levels.

Varte’s tour is sponsored by the Mizoram State Pollution Control Board and promotes the nationwide Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative.

He shared that back in 2009, his adventurous lifestyle and close connection to nature led him to recognise the urgent threat of global warming and climate change. He began searching for a way to contribute to solutions, realising that his passion for cycling could be a powerful tool for raising awareness.

The idea of an all-India cycling tour gradually took shape, and he sought a mission to align with his goal. As luck would have it, the Mizoram Pollution Control Board expressed interest in sponsoring his tour to promote the nationwide Mission LiFE initiative, he said.

Varte’s initial decision to undertake the tour was met with apprehension from his family, who feared for his safety. He also faced language barriers during his travels but remained determined to spread his message.

His message to all the people in the cities he has visited stressed the importance of clean air, energy conservation, reducing carbon footprints and e-waste, and promoting cycling for a healthier lifestyle.

He encouraged the people of Nagaland and the Northeast to unite and make a collective impact on environmental consciousness, raising awareness about the region’s unique challenges and contributions.

Reflecting on his journey, Varte identified Gangtok as the cleanest city he encountered, while Indore impressed him as the cleanest city in terms of population density.

Earlier during the welcome programme, Dharmendra Prakash, PCCF and HoFF, Nagaland, expressed concern over rising air pollution levels in Indian cities, linking them to an increase in respiratory illnesses, even among children. He lauded Varte’s efforts in spreading awareness about clean air and encouraged others to undertake similar initiatives.

Former state chief secretary, Lalthara, who also addressed the gathering, called for a more environmentally conscious society. Many species have gone extinct because of humanity and their greed, violating the very principles of creation, he said, adding that while it was pathological diseases that killed humans in the past, now people are killed by lifestyle diseases and what we do to our body, he said.

The Nagaland Pollution Control Board presented an overview of Mission LiFE and its ongoing awareness programmes and activities within the state.

During his stay, the cyclist also met with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at his residential complex in Kohima. Rio expressed his admiration for Varte’s mission, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “A pleasure to meet Mr. Vanlallawmzuala Varte, a 35-year-old cyclist from Mizoram, who has been cycling across India to create awareness on clean and green sustainable lifestyle. I wish him the best for the last leg of his journey to Manipur, and hope he continues to inspire us.”

Varte plans to continue his journey to Manipur on Wednesday, although the ongoing situation in the state has limited his travel options.