On the eve of World Environment Day, hundreds of tourists to the world renowned natural caves learnt a lesson when the National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets set an example for environment protection. Promptly collecting all the plastic material the tourists threw all over the place and gently telling them not to litter the place, the cadets spread awareness about protecting the oldest stalactite and stalagmite caves.
For the 40 cadets from 13 Andhra Battalion in Visakhapatnam attending the 10-day Annual Training Camp-II, this was an opportunity to show their concern for the environment.
Drainage cleaned
The NCC, in association with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, took up the cleaning project on Friday and the chocked drainage system was cleaned by the Senior Wing cadets. Three teams of NCC cadets were briefed by Camp Commander P.V.S. Sagar on the job to be carried out by them and action began within no time. Reflection of a nice stalactite-stalagmite formation in a large area at the end of the tunnel, which was not visible for the past three years, was set right by the cadets by clearing the entire accumulation of mud by putting in three hours of hard work.
For cadets Swetha and Sirisha it was an awe-inspiring experience as this was the first time they saw the caves. Overjoyed by the chance to be part of the team, they even skipped meal and worked hard to make the place tidy. A programme on environmental awareness would be conducted at the camp on Saturday and a blood donation camp on Sunday. APTDC Deputy General Manger S. Surya Prakasa Rao explained the importance of the caves.
