Over 3,000 men, women and children from different walks of life participated in the Ridley Run held at the Palavakkam beach on Sunday morning.
The run was aimed at creating awareness of the endangered Olive Ridleys, which find refuge in the beaches of Chennai during nesting season.
“We interacted with children and their parents and educated them on how it is our duty to protect this endangered species,” said Hafiz Khan from ‘Save a Turtle,’ one of the organisers of the event. Participants were educated about climate change and the need to protect environment. They also participated in a Zumba warm-up.
This is the fourth year ‘Save a Turtle’ and ‘Urban Tree’ are conducting this run.
Mr. Hafiz pointed out that like the State and non-government organisations, corporate firms must also be encouraged to take up the cause of protecting the turtles. “They too, like the others, can demarcate the areas along the coast and send volunteers to help the turtles nest. Corporates have large number of people and most can help serve the cause,” he said.
