Johnlee AbrahamFirst Published : 23 Dec 2009 05:02:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 23 Dec 2009 08:26:34 AM IST

BANGALORE: Transport Commissioner Bhaskar Rao seems to be sending a mixed message on his cycle- mounted crusade against global warming as throughout the rally trailing him is a fuelguzzling government vehicle with his private secretary in it.

Rao, a sports enthusiast, took leave from work to participate in the six-day event to cycle from Bangalore through Mysore, Hassan, Mercara, Irupu, Sultanbathery and Ooty to “spread environment awareness among people.” The irony, however, is that during the 900-km cycle rally his official Innova with his personal assistant followed the entourage led by the transport commissioner.

The commissioner, who should have been cycling to the “blue mountains” was seen in the city on Saturday at ITC Gardenia attending an “official” function and from there he is said to have headed back to Mysore in his official car to continue the cycle rally.

According to the BSA cycle rally organisers, “The commissioner is climbing the toughest course of the journey to reach Ooty (the official car still trailing).

He is still 34 km from the destination.” The 70-member cycle team after reaching Ooty on December 22 would rest and the next day would cycle to the Bandipur Forest for a finish.

It is a known fact that using official vehicles for personal use comes as a second habit to officials. But taking the personal assistant (also a government servant) for a private sponsored “cycle rally” is taking too much for granted.

When bureaucrats and politicians take out a “green rally”, a whole cavalcade of polluting vehicles follow and in that smoke “environment awareness” sounds too flimsy and is a public stunt.