In a boost to the attempts of the district administration, local self-governing bodies and environmental activists in reviving water bodies in Kozhikode, two students of St.Antony’s High school in Vadakara have stepped up to do their bit for protecting the nature. The class X students, Anavadya N Lakshmi and Meghna Salil have set on a mission to restore and conserve the pond near Vadakara railway station, as part of their science project.

According to the students, the pond was used as water source for steam engines in early 20th century. “But the water body lost it’s significance once the production of steam engines were discontinued. Now the pond has been turned into a dumpyard with people throwing plastics and other non-renewable wastes, 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 water source," she said. With the help of the CWRDM (Centre for Water Resources Development and Management) authorities, 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 Madappally Government College Department of Botany, they also found that the plants situated on the banks of pond were of of special category.

The students have already held discussions with local residents, people’s representatives and voluntary organisations to rope in their support for the project. “ We have also filed a petition before local leaders and MLA C K Nanu for help, "said Anavadya. The duo is planning to tie nets above the pond to prevent falling of dried leaves from nearby trees, into the water. “The flow of drain water into the pond will be stopped and the plastic wastes will be cleaned up," she said. Fixing of sign boards , placing of separate bins for dumping wastes and beautification of the banks of the pond are the other activities chalked out as part of the project.