When media persons participated in a run for environmental cause in Shimla

Shimla, June 17 (ANI): A group of journalists joined hands with local residents to save the pristine beauty of hill resort Shimla on Thursday, as they participated in a run.

To draw public and administration attention, the officials of Press Club of Shimla organised a 'Save Shimla Run' on the occasion of the club's silver jubilee celebrations.

Participants lauded the efforts of the journalists for environmental cause.

"It was a very good effort of the Press Club to involve mediamen as well as local residents and they are equally concerned about Shimla's future. So it was a run to send a message across, that we need to save Shimla and I think sports are the best medium to do it because sports give you spirit to do better in life," said Archana Phull, a participant.

Over 100 journalists took part in the run, flagged at the town's ridge ground.

Officials said the objective of this run was to join hands with the local population create awareness on the need to protect and preserve the hill town's environment.

"Press club Shimla on its silver jubilee celebrations has organized 'Save Shimla Run' to make people aware about the protection of the environment of the town. There has been drastic climatic changes and environmental degradation for the last one-decade time. Most of the media persons gathered here for run along with local residents. The objective of this run was to tell people to join hands with media to protect and preserve the environment of hill town," said Dhananjay Sharma, President of the Shimla Press Club.

Shimla, a well-known tourist destination, has been witnessing environmental degradation due to man-made as well as natural causes. Indiscriminate felling of trees and large-scale use of plastic bags has affected the scenic beauty here.

Tourism is the mainstay of the scenic place, also known for its apples. By Hemant Chauhan (ANI)