Chennai: A person’s contribution to a country’s cleanliness is generally restricted to cleaning up of beaches and public places. What happens when it comes to the preservation of heritage sites? Why do people hesitate to clean them up?
In the present context of urbanization and globalization, we are bound to embrace a bitter truth that our heritage deteriorating at an alarming rate. On the occasion of World Heritage Week celebrations (November 19 – November 25), almost 200 active participants from schools and colleges have teamed up with the Cycling Yogis to help clear wild vegetation around the demarcated cleanup area in Fort St. George and to dispose of them responsibly.
“Among various reasons, imported foreign culture plays an influential role in creating a gap in the thinking of youngsters regarding the value of our culture and heritages,” said Ramanujar. M, the Founder of Cycling Yogis.
“On this third edition of cleanup, a short distance ride was organized by Cycling Yogis from Pro bikers on the OMR to Fort St.George,” he added.
Archaeologists say that the growth of vegetation and trees on these heritage structures, due to seed dispersal and environmental conditions, is one of the main reasons for the weakening of heritage structures in our region.
“We have been associated with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Chennai for the past three years. The basic idea is to motivate children to conserve and preserve their monuments. This year almost 55 Children from grades eighth to tenth along with 12 teachers are actively involved,” said Mr Sivasakthi Balan, Principal, KRM Public School.
