Chennai: Over 200 bags of plastic waste and 13 bags of glass bottles were collected during the 15th week mass cleanup drive held by the Selaiyur Lake Restoration Team, Saturday.
About 150 NSS volunteers from Madras Christian College and over 70 volunteers from other organisations took part in the event. Lions Club International district governor R Suresh was the chief guest.
MCC, NSS convenor Sheba, SIVET college former principal Rajah gave special address to the students. Certificate of appreciation were given to the students for their contribution to the restoration of Selaiyur Lake. The drive to restore and revive Selaiyur Lake began last December.
Volunteers from various organisations including Eco Society India, Sabari Green Foundation, Makkal Paadhai, Vidhapadhu Vidhi, Nammal Mudiyum and Seva Bharathi, also took part in the event.
According to sources, this lake is one of the primary reasons for the flooding of Chitlapakkam every monsoon.
Speaking to News Today, Darwin Annadurai, one of the coordinators of the event, said, this has been taken up to make sure that local residents are aware of the importance of the resource.
Further talking about the work done so far, Darwin said, “Bunds of the lake have been cleaned for close to 1.5 kilometres. The garbage that was dumped around has been removed. Awareness programmes too were conducted.”
He also said that people in the locality are cooperative and that they have stopped littering the places that are cleaned.
“Tambaram Municipality officials too have been supportive and send vehicles to remove the garbage whenever we ask them to,” he added.
He further said that they are expecting more public participation.
“Though volunteers and officials can desilt and clean, it is up to the people to ensure that the waters are maintained,” he said.
Darwin noted that this clean-up drive is just the first step and that they will continue to carry out the work every Sunday, until the lake is completely restored and used for recreational purposes.
“We are also planning to hold talks with officials to ensure that the sewage let in here is either plugged or treated,” he added. People interested to join the team can reach Darwin at 94441 12271.