Porvorim, Dec 11 (TOI): A large crowd, mainly comprising children of all ages, thronged to be part of Porvorim's first NoMoZo event, where around a kilometre-long road stretch was blocked from use by motorized vehicles. A large number of children, even toddlers were seen cycling on this road stretch. Chief minister Manohar Parrikar, too, cycled to spread the message of 'keep Goa clean and green.'
"Green Goa does not happen only by opposing coal, you should actually contribute to it. The concept is more about laying stress on walking and as a result reduce the use of vehicles and control pollution," Parrikar said, after cycling around the event. He was referring to the ongoing movement where protestors are opposing expansing of the coal handling terminal at the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT).
The state capital, Panaji, was the first to host No Mozo events organised by social groups to 'reclaim roads for activities like cycling and skating for children.' But after a break of around two years, the concept of No MoZo was revived in Porvorim on Sunday.
Parrikar said that No Mozo event should be organised more often to make citizens conscious about the increasing use of motorised private vehicles.