The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
HIS determination made him quit his job as a medical doctor six years ago and get on his bike to begin touring the world and promote environmental conservation.
He even sold his land to finance his audacious expedition.
Two weeks ago, 43-year-old Dr Raj Phanden entered Zimbabwe, the 64th country he has visited ever since he departed India.
He visited Rusape, Nyanga and Mutare before leaving for Mozambique via Forbes Border Post.
So far he has cycled for over 70 000km and has planted over 100 000 trees in all the countries that he has been to.
He says he has faced numerous challenges such as language barriers and the Covid-19 pandemic which broke out when he was in Europe.
This, however, has not deterred him from pursuing his goal.
Dr Phanden said he was impressed by the Zimbabwe’s resolve to mitigate the effects of climate change by protecting the environment.
He said the world needs to scale up its efforts in protecting the environment.
“I am an environmental activist from India and I am travelling the world mainly on bicycle. It is a symbolic ride to save the environment. I started this journey in India in 2016 and right now I am in Zimbabwe, my 64th country.
“My goal is to reach every country on the continent. I have travelled over 70 000km in the last six years. My mission is to save the planet. We need to plant as many trees as possible.
“Wherever I go, I am educating people on the hazardous effects of using plastics and how to properly dispose them. I have visited more than 1 000 schools and colleges to conduct environment related seminars. In partnership with citizens where I have visited, we have planted over 100 000 trees so far,” he said.
Dr Phanden added: “I entered Zimbabwe through Victoria Falls on March 24 on my way from Zambia. I have been to Bulawayo, Harare, Rusape, Nyanga and Mutare on my way to Mozambique.
“I was impressed by the thick forests between Victoria Falls and Bulawayo. People there must be commended for preserving them. The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe should be commended for its efforts. Zimbabwe has clear laws governing the environment and there are plenty of parks and forests which are homes to wild animals.
“The use of plastic is one of the biggest issues I have discovered in Zimbabwe. Plastic bottles and bags are being dumped everywhere, yet they are not good for the environment. Rwanda has totally banned plastic bottles and bags and I urged other countries to follow suit,” he said.
Dr Phanden said he was also impressed by the reception he received in Zimbabwe and has encouraged fellow Indians to visit Zimbabwe.
“The people of Zimbabwe are amazing, very friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed their hospitality. I felt at home here because of the warm reception I got wherever I visited. I will continue marketing this country to my countrymen in India, telling them that there is a gem called Zimbabwe,” said Dr Phanden.
Save the Environment and Climate Foundation Trust (SECFT) national chairman, Mr Learnmore Nyaruwanga said his organisation has been inspired by Dr Phanden’s tour.
“His tour is an eye-opener to us local environmental activists. We need to put more effort in our awareness campaigns. Climate change is a global challenge that every human being must be concerned with and take action in order to minimise the impact,” Mr Nyaruwanga said.
