Volunteers from Kovai Kulangal Padhukaapu Amaippu sowed palm seeds along the lake beds in order to preserve and strengthen water resources in the city.

Speaking to reporters, R. Manikandan, Chief Coordinator of Kovai Kulangal Padhukaappu Amaippu, said 150 volunteers have been sowing palm seeds during the last five weekends near Kuniyamuthur lake and Vellalore lake. “So far they have sowed 5000 seeds near Kuniyamuthur lake and 2500 near Vellalore lake. Our ancestors knew the importance of palm trees. The trees help in strengthening and protecting the banks of lakes and water bodies without any concrete structures. Unfortunately we have cut down the trees planted by them,” he said.

“The members have also been rejuvenating tanks in the city for the last 32 weekends,” Manikandan added.

“The tanks in the city come under the control of Corporation and channels leading to the tanks come under the Public Works Department (PWD). The PWD is facing cash crunch for the rejuvenation of channels and without rejuvenation of channels there are no chances of water conservation. The admiration and Corporation should jointly function with other departments including PWD and Slum Clearance Board to preserve water bodies,” said Manikandan.