Rousing welcome to CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon at Marina
Officials said 52 coastal villages have been identified for sustained engagement through CISF’s coastal units in coordination with port authorities and other stakeholders.
Chennai:The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026, a 6,553-km national outreach initiative along India’s coastline, reached Chennai on Friday and was welcomed by school students, and the general public at Marina Beach. The 25-day cyclothon, flagged off virtually on January 28 by Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai, is being conducted simultaneously along the eastern and western coasts under the theme “Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat.”
The campaign covers nine States and two Union Territories and includes 130 CISF personnel, among them 65 women cyclists. The initiative forms part of the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram and seeks to promote coastal security awareness and community partnership.
On its eastern route, the team travelled through coastal regions of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, interacting with fishermen, students, NCC cadets and local communities. Discussions were held on maritime security, anti-narcotics awareness, Blue Economy opportunities and the role of fishing communities as vigilant stakeholders. Cultural events, sports activities and awareness programmes were organised at various stops.
The CISF, which secures all 12 major ports in India, used the platform to highlight threats such as smuggling and infiltration, and to encourage reporting through maritime helplines. Environmental initiatives including beach clean-ups and plantation drives were also undertaken.
Officials said 52 coastal villages have been identified for sustained engagement through CISF’s coastal units in coordination with port authorities and other stakeholders.
