The Vaigai riverbank was witness to a colourful pageant on Tuesday that sought to create awareness among the community of the need to protect and preserve the ancient river, the lifeline of Madurai.
The event was organised as part of the Vaigai River Restoration Project (VRRP), launched by Dhan Foundation on October 2 with the objective of restoring the legendary river to its old glory. The long-term project will be implemented in collaboration with New York-based Earth Celebrations, Asia Initiatives, district administration, Madurai Corporation and educational institutions.
The Vaigai River Restoration Pageant, according to Earth Celebrations, which was involved in the restoration of the Hudson with community involvement, attempted to “raise awareness to mitigate the severe environmental crisis of pollution and contamination of a major natural water resource and to counter the effects of climate change.”
Addressing the participants, the Collector, L. Subramanian, highlighted the need for people’s participation in such an initiative. The Executive Director of Dhan Foundation, M. P. Vasimalai, said that action groups would be formed along the banks as custodians of the river to prevent dumping of garbage and flow of sewage.
More colleges in Madurai district had shown a keen interest in associating themselves with the project, Mr. Vasimalai said and added that it would evolve around a long-term sustainable plan. Felicia Young of Earth Celebrations shared her Hudson experience with the participants.
