Kolkata, Aug 24 Hundreds of cyclists took to the streets here on Sunday in a cycle rally organized with an aim to promote environmental awareness.

The rally was organized by the state-run oil refinery, the Indian Oil Corporation.

"We want to spread awareness amongst the people regarding the global warming, the environmental friendly attitude, what we need and how we can protect the environment, why should you protect the environment, all these points we are taking through this walk and this rally," said Aloke Kumar Singh, Indian Oil spokesperson.

The cyclists included participants young and old.

"Today's rally is organised to bring pollution under control because if we check pollution it will be good for us, for our next generation and for the country as well," said 60-year-old Amarjit Singh.

It is feared that the doubling of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere within 50 years would raise global temperatures between 1.5 degree Celsius and 4.5 degree Celsius.

The WHO has warned that such environmental shifts could cause waterborne and parasitic blights, such as cholera and lyme disease, to spread to new areas. (ANI)