Imphal: Manipur CM launches BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week, cyclothon

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday launched BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026 in Imphal and flagged off a cyclothon from the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, India Today NE reported.

The state government is running the campaign from November 1 to 7 to encourage people to adopt environment-friendly habits in daily life. India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026.

Inspired by Mission LiFE

Speaking at the launch, the chief minister said the programme draws on Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), the campaign started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that promotes small changes in everyday behaviour to protect the environment.

He spoke about Manipur's forests, rivers, wetlands and wider biodiversity and said these resources must be protected for future generations. Protecting the environment was a shared duty and not the government's job alone, he said, according to the report.

What the CM asked for

Singh urged citizens, and young people in particular, to save water and electricity, stop using single-use plastics, cut down on waste and keep their surroundings clean. He also asked government departments, schools and colleges, local bodies and community groups to take an active part in the week's activities.

He administered an environment protection pledge to those present and planted saplings at the sports complex along with other officials. Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, senior officers and students attended.

Cyclothon route

About 200 cyclists took part in the ride. Starting from Khuman Lampak, the route passed along Khuyathong Road and Babupara and through parts of Imphal West and Imphal East before returning to the starting point, the report said.

Details of the remaining programmes had not been published by the state government at the time of writing.

The launch comes as the state government seeks to return attention to development and civic programmes in the valley after months of unrest in Manipur.