People in Coimbatore can now get to know more about the lakes in the city, thanks to ‘Lake Savaari’, an ecological tour organised by NGO Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) for creating better awareness about freshwater habitats.

It is a free guided-trip to six lakes in Coimbatore where biodiversity and ecosystems of the lakes will be briefly explained by EFI volunteers. The three-hour starts at Muthannan Kulam and proceeds to Selvampathy Lake, Narasampathy Lake, Krishnampathy Lake and ends at Salvachintamani Lake.

Coimbatore coordinator of EFI Sanjay Prasad told The Covai Post that the trip will give the visitor an idea of the significance of these system tanks and how they act as reservoirs and feeder channels for each other. Most of the lakes in the city are interconnected and these were created long ago to conserve water.

He said that with lack of public involvement, it had become impossible to conserve these natural habitats. Lakes and ponds these days are being neglected. In an effort to increase public involvement in conservation, EFI organises weekend lake cleanups and now the guided trips.

Water bodies in the city were polluted by dumping waste, plastics and construction debris. Even the sides of lakes were encroached upon through constructions, Sanjay said.

Around 18 to 22 people can participate in the weekly tours. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those interested can register through EFI’s Facebook page, EFI Volunteer mobile app or write to [email protected].

EFI has also made documentary `Coimbatore’s Last Drop’ to create awareness about waterbodies.