The students themselves were very excited about the cleanliness drive. Aditi Tusnial, a Class XII student at Modern High School, said: “I had earlier taken part in cleanliness drives as a member of our school’s nature club, but Sunday’s experience was altogether different. I was thrilled to have contributed my bit to keep the lake clean and make it more beautiful,” she said. Aditi promised to return to the lake whenever her services are required.
Bharat Bharech of South Point felt it was his duty to keep the lake clean. “If I can inspire a single person to take up the job, I will feel satisfied. After all, it’s our lake and we have to keep it clean and beautiful,” he said. Bharat considers himself fortunate that he was selected by the school to be a part of the drive.
Green activist Mudar Patheria was all praise for the students, whom he had brought in for the drive. “They are the real tools to spread awareness among the people to protect the environment,” he said.
Members of Bengal Rowing Club, who organized the cleanliness drive, alleged that though the morning walkers cooperated with them to maintain the lake’s cleanliness, a section of revelers throw refuse and non-biodegradable items into the lake.
Mayor Bikash Bhattacharya, who was present at the spot, assured of extending all help on the part of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. He also released fingerlings at the lake in an effort to set the eco-system balance right. “We will do whenever needs to be done to keep the lake beautiful,” Bhattacharya said. - The Times of India
