City-based NGO Environment Conservation Group (ECG) has adopted the Valunkulam Lake and Periyakulam Lake from this month onwards. Since then on volunteers of this NGO are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the two lakes are protected. Recently, it was noticed that the CSI Christ Church (on Trichy Road) that is located close to the Valunkulam Lake is using this lake to dump daily wastage that is generated at its premises. This was brought to the notice of Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) Commissioner, Dr Vijay Karthikeyan through Whatsapp group Namma Covai. The Corporation Commissioner was quick to respond and he assured that his team is at it.
Founder of this NGO, R. Mohamed Saleem shares with us that, the church authorities were warned (on several occasions) not to use this lake dump garbage. “Whenever a function is hosted at this church, leftover food, disposable plates, tumblers and spoons are found floating on this lake. The church authorities continue to use this lake as their dump yard on a daily basis.” Mohamed shares.
He also tells us that that this church falls under Ward #73. This ward is well equipped with public dustbins. However for convenience sake, the church authorities have created a pathway that leads to the Valunkulam Lake to dump garbage.
“We are heading towards the North-East monsoon that is scheduled to begin on October 20 or 22. Before we receive showers, we must ensure that this lake is clean.” Mohamed says. In a bid to clean-up this lake, NGO ECG has invited volunteers and corporate to sponsor materials like gloves and masks.
Those interested in lending a helping hand in the Valunkulam Lake cleaning activity can contact Mohamed at 97878-78910