Chennai: When it comes to saving the fast depleting water bodies in Chennai, environmentalists and civic activists play a crucial role. They persuade the government to de-silt and modify them, besides pooling in people to clean it.
Here is another interesting way. Geologist and Limca record holder, M. Kumaran induces the feeling of ownership on lakes among the locals, by propagating water sports.
The hard efforts of like-minded people who regularly clean the water bodies is not appreciated by the locals– as wash their vehicles and bathe using soap. His exploration on city’s lakes for the past two years is being met with dissatisfaction as most of the water bodies are polluted with garbage filled storm water drains and weed growth.
However, the optimistic geologist says: “Our ecosystem is at serious threat. But if aggressive measures are embraced, water bodies can be restored soon.”
Kumaran proposes a sportive theory, which involves a lot of fun and exercise.
“Water bodies in the city are polluted as they are not in use. The frequent visitors of lakes are youth who swim and drink on the banks. If they are sensitised, they would think before polluting,” said Kumaran.
A vivid paddler, Kumaran said that the activity would satisfy three purposes – employment, entertainment and environmental protection.
“Why not introduce community paddling in the lakes? Through that way, many youngsters could be employed as instructors. And the fact that a water body had entertained an individual would make him respect it. He would hesitate to pollute it and treat it as his home,” he opined. Instructors should be trained on the techniques of paddling and first aid, he briefed. “Lets not forget the aspect of calorie burning. It could be a good exercise and a stress buster,” he added.
