In a boost to the attempts of the district administration, local self-governing bodies and environmental activists in reviving the waterbodies in Kozhikode, two students of St Antony’s High School, Vadakara, have stepped up to do their bit for protecting the nature. Anavadya N Lakshmi and Meghna Salil, both students of Class X, have embarked on a mission to restore and conserve the pond near the Vadakara Railway Station, as part of their science project.
According to the students, the pond was used as a water source for steam engines in the early 20th century. “But the waterbody lost its significance once the production of steam engines was discontinued. Now, the pond has been turned into a dump yard with people throwing plastics and other non-renewable waste, and water from the nearby drains flowing into it," said Meghna.“Our aim is to beautify and restore the pond and study in depth about the physical and chemical parameters of the water source."
With the help of the authorities of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), the students tested water samples from the pond and found the presence of Coliform bacteria in them. Through the research and studies carried out with the support of the Department of Botany at Madappally Government College, they also found the plants situated on the banks of pond belong to a special category.
The students have already held discussions with the local residents, people’s representatives and voluntary organisations to rope in their support for the project. “We have also filed a petition before the local leaders and C K Nanu MLA seeking help," said Anavadya. The duo is planning to erect a covering net over the pond to prevent dried leaves from sullying the water. “The seepage of drain water into the pond will be stopped and the plastic waste will be removed from it, she said. Fixing of sign boards, placing of separate bins for dumping waste and beautification of the bank of the pond are the other activities chalked out as part of the project," he added.
