ALLAHABAD: A unique initiative to spread awareness about environment conservation left the natives of Ibrahimpur, Pure Kharag Rai and adjoining villages in Pratapgarh district wondering in amazement on Sunday afternoon, when they witnessed a 'baraat' (wedding procession) - including the groom - pedalling all the way to the bride's place on bicycles.Around two dozen 'baraatis' (marriage party members), including the groom, covered around two-kilometre distance from Pure Kharag Rai to Ibrahimpur village of Bojhi gram panchayat in Mandhata block of Pratapgarh district on bicycles to reach the wedding venue.Many among the crowd were keen to capture the images and videos of the unique 'baraat' on their mobiles as they appreciated the efforts for creating awareness about environment conservation.Javendra Kumar, a resident of Alawal village in Allahabad, got married to Chanda Devi of Pure Kharag Rai on Sunday.The novel initiative had come about with the efforts of environment activist Ajay Krantikari, who convinced the groom Javendra Kumar and his family members to pedal to the bride's home."The idea behind the groom and his family members cycling to the bride's house was to spread awareness on environment conservation. Although, the number of pedalling baraatis was not much, the initiative was appreciated by people as well as officials," said Krantikari.It took more than 15 days for Krantikari to convince the groom and his family. The volunteers of Paryavaran Sena gifted a cycle to the groom.The groom, Javendra, said, "Youths should come forward for such noble causes. Every individual should make efforts on own to save the environment.""Many people who came to attend the wedding also took a pledge for environment conservation. If we want to save fuel and protect our environment, we have to take small steps that help save environment," added Krantikari.There are so many weddings every year and scores of vehicles are used. If we start using bicycles for covering small distances, it would check pollution and help maintain the purity of air in rural areas," said Krantikari.

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