Paradip: In times of global warming, the Paradip Port Trust authorities on Wednesday observed no vehicle day.

The effort is an attempt to maintain ambient environment standards and reduce the use of carbon fuel.

All employees of the port either walked or cycled their way to office.

While observing the no vehicle day, the port authorities called on residents of the township not to use their two-wheelers and four-wheelers and opt for bicycles.

However, the appeal did not elicit wholehearted public response.

"It was still heartening that some local residents opted to commute on bicycles," said a port official.

"The initiative will help create awareness among the public and also reduce traffic congestion that would enable the port trust officers and employees to play an active role in doing their bit to reduce global warming. No vehicle entered the administrative building premises on Wednesday," the official said.

Besides the employees, workers, stakeholders, port users were also sighted cycling to their respective workplaces inside the port's prohibited area.

"The port trust has taken a positive environment-friendly initiative even though vehicular pollution has not assumed alarming proportions in Paradip," said Odisha State Pollution Control Board regional officer Mukesh Mahaling. Paradip Port Trust chairman Rinkesh Roy also walked to the office from his official quarters.

"The port has joined the drive against pollution for a clean environment. That's why we observed no vehicle day. We want to promote walking, cycling and public transport," Roy said.