Volunteers regroup for lake cleaning

Those who assembled for pro-Jallikattu protest took the initiative by using social media

February 05, 2017 01:30 am | Updated 01:32 am IST - VELLORE:

Removing the ‘Seemai Karuvelam’ was the priority of the volunteers cleaning the Otteri Lake near Vellore as part of a two-day drive.

Removing the ‘Seemai Karuvelam’ was the priority of the volunteers cleaning the Otteri Lake near Vellore as part of a two-day drive.

Capitalising on the response generated for the pro-Jallikattu protests, a group of volunteers mobilised support to spruce up Otteri Lake, one of the oldest water-bodies in Vellore. The volunteers — hailing from different walks of life — have come together to free the lake from the invasive species of “seemai karuvelam” trees and are planning to take forward the clean-up efforts during weekends.

The near dry lake came to life on Saturday as a group of youth, working professionals and businessmen joined hands to clean it. About 50 of them removed “seemai karuvelam” trees at the lake.

“Many of us had taken part in the protest in support of Jallikattu in Vellore. It was then we formed a team, and this clean-up drive is in continuation of that effort. We wanted to clean up Vellore, and so, we have come together under a banner – Change Vellore – for a clean and green Vellore,” said Sathish Kumar, a team member.

The team used the social media to spread the message and called for a meeting at Periyar Park. “We created awareness about this initiative through Facebook and Whatsapp,” he added.

D. Manikandan, another team member, said they were removing unwanted plants from the lake area, and were planning to plant saplings that were native to Tamil Nadu. “We want to come as a group on Saturdays and Sundays to clean up the lake. We want this movement to spread to other districts too and people should come forward to take up such activities,” he added. He pointed out that the area around the lake was being misused as they had found and removed several liquor bottles. “Even animal waste is being dumped here. Public should avoid disposing garbage at a water-body,” he said.

S. Gopal Sekar said they wanted to plant trees such as palm, neem, and “pungai” around the lake. “We will seek permission to uproot the ‘seemai karuvelam’ trees using an earthmover,” he said.

The campaign brought together a number of students too. V. Abinash of Thanthai Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Government Polytechnic College wanted to join the effort to do his bit to clean-up the city. “I have informed my friends to join the campaign,” he added.

Many working professionals like S. Rubini, a staff nurse in Vellore, have chipped in. “I took part in the pro-Jallikattu protest, and took leave from work to be here today,” she said.

Those interested can call 9894754306 or 98947 79999 to join the drive on Sunday.

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