Kannur: Two years ago, the Poomangalam AUP School near Payyannur launched a campaign for the protection of the main water source in the panchayat –the Poomangalam -- which was in a poor state due to the indiscriminate dumping of waste. The students started planting saplings on a small scale along the banks of the river and then submitted a memorandum to the Panchayat seeking action against the dumping and for cleaning the river. Inspired by the activities, the Kurumathur Grama Panchayat has taken up the project on a big scale called ‘Haritha Theeram’ in association with other voluntary associations.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Poomangalam AUP School Head Master C Sathia Narayanan said that as part of the campaign, the School conducted many awareness classes for various voluntary organisations including Kudumbashree and for parents during the last two years. “Our students even tried to clear the waste dumped in the river. At that time, we realized it was not something which we could do alone; a larger participation was needed,” he added.
Kurumathur Grama Panchayat President I.V Narayanan said that the activities of the students were commendable. “The river passes through Kalikkadavu-Karimbam-Parad-Poomangalam, covers 12 wards and separates the panchayat into two and is the major lifeline for the people here. The protection of the river is very important for our existence and that’s why we decided to take up the project on a large scale by launching ‘Haritha Theeram’ in association with Talipparamba Sir Syed College,” he said.
“At a time when people throw what they feel is garbage into either river or on the road, we need to create a culture of protecting rivers,” he added. As part of the project, the Panchayat earmarked '2 lakh and conducted many awareness campaigns. As many as 21 bunds have been built and on December 25, the Panchayat in association with students, teachers, voluntary organizations and political parties are conducting a cleanliness campaign on either side of the river.
