NGOs like Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu and Environmental Foundation for India organised a clean-up drive at Muthannan Lake near Gandhi Park here this morning. Around 170 environmental enthusiasts extended a helping hand to the cause, which included removing plastic and other waste from around.
R. Manikandan, co-ordinator, Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu, said: "In the 45th week, we have taken up this lake. Apart from the clean-up drive, we are also planning to create an awareness among the public about protection of lakes through various programmes along with the Coimbatore Corporation." He added that the amount of litter around the lake has decreased as people have started refraining from littering it. He also stressed that the Corporation must take strict action against people who litter around the lake.
Around four tonnes of waste was collected in the clean-up drive. "Despite regularly undertaking clean-up drives across various lakes, they are filled with waste due to the callous attitude of people. Birds visiting the lake eat the plastic and die. People who dispose of pooja articles near the lake must segregate the plastic from other forms of waste," pointed out G. Sanjay Prasad from Environmental Foundation for India.
Along with various environmental enthusiasts, more than 70 employees from L&T also participated in the driver. "On seeing the amount of waste, it instills a fear in us about what kind of a world are we leaving behind for the future generations. However, it is heartening to see school students being involved in the drive," said Lakshmesh from L&T.
Earlier, a mini marathon was organised by 'Mera Tera Run' to emphasise the importance of preserving lakes . As part of the initiative, the group along with Kovaipudur Runner's Club will run for the cause of the lakes in Coimbatore today and tomorrow.
R. Manikandan, co-ordinator, Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu, said: "In the 45th week, we have taken up this lake. Apart from the clean-up drive, we are also planning to create an awareness among the public about protection of lakes through various programmes along with the Coimbatore Corporation." He added that the amount of litter around the lake has decreased as people have started refraining from littering it. He also stressed that the Corporation must take strict action against people who litter around the lake.
Around four tonnes of waste was collected in the clean-up drive. "Despite regularly undertaking clean-up drives across various lakes, they are filled with waste due to the callous attitude of people. Birds visiting the lake eat the plastic and die. People who dispose of pooja articles near the lake must segregate the plastic from other forms of waste," pointed out G. Sanjay Prasad from Environmental Foundation for India.
Along with various environmental enthusiasts, more than 70 employees from L&T also participated in the driver. "On seeing the amount of waste, it instills a fear in us about what kind of a world are we leaving behind for the future generations. However, it is heartening to see school students being involved in the drive," said Lakshmesh from L&T.
Earlier, a mini marathon was organised by 'Mera Tera Run' to emphasise the importance of preserving lakes . As part of the initiative, the group along with Kovaipudur Runner's Club will run for the cause of the lakes in Coimbatore today and tomorrow.