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The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Awareness activities, greening drives mark World Environment Day
Various awareness activities and greening drives marked the observation of the World Environment Day in Coimbatore on Thursday. The Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, organised a series of awareness campaigns, lectures, cleanliness drives and competitions on the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution' from May 22 to June 5. An eco-friendly banner promoting the theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution' was installed at the Forest Campus at R.S. Puram to spread awareness. A release from IFGTB stated that webinars on 'Waste to Art' and 'Waste Management Principles' were delivered by Ankit Shah of Prakritik India, Uttarakhand, and S. Vigneswaran, Programme Officer, ICFRE-IFGTB EIACP, respectively on June 2. A campus cleaning drive held June 3 and 4 emphasised eliminating single-use plastics and fostering environmental stewardship. IFGTB Director R. Yasodha inaugurated the cleaning drive. IFGTB organised a series of lectures across various institutions to raise awareness on plastic pollution and sustainable living from May 22 to June 5. Reusable cloth bags and awareness materials were distributed to encourage plastic-free lifestyles. The institute, in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Anna Industrial Park, organised a greening drive that was inaugurated by District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar on Thursday. A total of 9,000 saplings of native trees were planted at Anna Industrial Park. It also conducted various competitions such as quizzes, painting, and photography contests from May 22 to June 5, engaging the public in environmental awareness. An awareness poster on 'Beat Plastic Pollution' was also released and distributed. Greening drive by Siruthuli, Cognizant Siruthuli in partnership with Cognizant planted 1,500 saplings of native trees in a farm at Keeranatham on Thursday as part of observing World Environment Day. A statement from Siruthuli said that volunteers would plant 1,200 saplings at Swami Dayananda Vanam at Government Hospital, Sundakkamuthur, with the support from G.S. Foundation on Friday.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Coimbatore corporation decides to desilt, strengthen bunds, widen canals of Singanallur lake
Coimbatore: To bring about an overall rejuvenation of the water body, the Coimbatore Corporation has decided to desilt Singanallur lake , strengthen its bunds and widen its canals at a cost of Rs 13 crore. Additionally, the civic body plans to collaborate with NGOs to preserve the lake's natural ecosystem. Unlike previous lake projects undertaken under the Smart City initiative, the new initiative to maintain the ecology with additional infrastructure. As the lake has not been desilted for over three decades, it is estimated that nearly 2 lakh cubic metres of sludge have accumulated. A preliminary survey and a detailed project report (DPR) are being prepared jointly by the civic body and Siruthuli, an NGO. Environmentalists have also proposed several suggestions for the development of the lake. Coimbatore Corporation and Siruthuli conducted a joint inspection to assess the current condition of the lake and its feeder channels. Siruthuli has recommended desilting the lake and strengthening its bunds. According to a Siruthuli representative, a bathymetric survey has been completed, though the results are awaited. "We are conducting a digital survey to map the streams and their entry points. The priority is to desilt the anicut in Nanjundapuram. After that, the connecting stream must be clearly marked to ensure the proper flow of fresh water into the lake. We are currently drafting methods and exploring technologies to achieve these objectives," said J Sathish, trustee of Siruthuli. There are also plans to develop an island within the lake to attract migratory birds and support bird nesting. Unlike other urban lakes in Coimbatore, Singanallur lake has remained untouched by intrusive development, largely due to sustained opposition from environmental NGOs. In line with conservation efforts, boating and commercial fishing were banned several years ago to protect the lake's biodiversity. The current development plan includes the construction of a walking track along the lake's perimeter. Manikandan from Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaippu suggested introducing a minimal entry fee at all water bodies to encourage public responsibility. "People value and take care of places when there's a price attached. Free and unrestricted access often leads to pollution," he said.
