Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010557390300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Coast Guards walk for a cause

Staff Reporter

VISAKHAPATNAM: The display of flying skills by a Chetak helicopter belonging to the Coast Guard came as a pleasant surprise for morning walkers on the beach road on Sunday.

The beach road saw two walkathons -- one by the Coast Guard as part of ‘Clean and Green Environment Day’ in connection with 32nd Raising Day on February 1 and another by Visakha Walkers’ Association to create awareness on stress and obesity management.

While the Coast Guards walkathon started at Coastal Battery and ended Vuda Park, the Walkers’ Association members walked from A.S. Raja Women’s College, MVP Colony to Bhimunipatnam. About 300 persons took part in the walk to Bhimili and refreshments and prizes were given to them. Suresh Kumar of Bhuvaneswari Paints organised the programme.

A total of 150 Coast Guard personnel and their families took part in the event aimed at spreading awareness about a pollution free environment.

Spread of message

The walkathon commenced after Deputy Inspector General of Coast Guards G.P. Raj fired a colour catridge and declared the event open.

Officers and men of Coast Guards carried banners depicting their message ‘Clean and Green Environment.’

“The Chetak helicopter displayed a range of helobatic skills to the early morning walkers who showed keen interest not only in the aerial display but also matched steps with their Coast Guard brethren to complete the entire distance of walkathon with enthusiasm,” a Coast Guard release said.