Page 122 - KKN_Magazine_2019_18052020

122 SAN KAM - Kaleidescope - 2019-20

Lake Tour – 14.11.2019

On Children’s day the budding environmentalists from our school went on a study tour around lakes. They
were guided by Ms. Melina and Ms. Presta of Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI). It is an environmental
conservation group, which focuses on wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, with bases in many cities. As
the organization is known for its work in cleaning and scientific restoration of lakes in India, the students were
taken on a lake tour to broaden their knowledge. They were taken to water bodies that were rejuvenated and
restored by EFI.
Kattabomman pond, Nattar pond, Amman pond were some of the places they visited. The day was an eye-opener
for the youngsters as they realized how ponds have shrunk and the water table struggle to maintain a decent level
owing to encroachment, dumping of garbage and non-biodegradable waste, release of sewage water, growing of
invasive weeds and throwing construction debris. Mr. Arun Krishnamurthy, the founder of EFI, patiently explained
how the water bodies were restored and the boundaries strengthened by building bunds and fences. The students
were even able to have a look at a pit which was constructed to bring back turtles by making it a safe haven for
them. Their final stop was the Pallikaranai Marsh where they could watch some migratory birds. They returned
with a heavy heart when they were informed that the marsh was initially a big lake.
Students learnt a big lesson that day and pledged to protect their environment and spread awareness to guard
what the nature has gifted us so selflessly.