Puducherry (PTI): A physically challenged man here on Friday covered a distance of five km on his hands to generate awareness on the need to protect the environment.

John Peter (30), whose legs are disabled, kept his legs on the laps in a 'padmaasana' (lotus posture) position and used the hands to move through the main thoroughfares of the town.

He was felicitated, among others, by Puducherry Education Minister M O H F Shahjahan and Municipal Councillor Rajalakshmi.

Peter said he wanted to bring to focus the negative impact of plastic materials on the environment.

He stressed the need for growing more trees, keeping the city and its environs clean and active cooperation from the people for successful implementation of 'Operation Garbage' programme of the Union Territory government.

The event was organised by the local Differently Abled Persons Welfare Association.