COIMBATORE: A coffin, huge quantity of bottles and glasses were recovered during the cleanliness drive around the Valankulam lake on the Ukkadam-Sungam bybass.

The drive, that saw the participation of over 70 members from Environmental Foundation of India, Corporation staff and volunteers from Kovai Kulangal Paadhukappu Amaippu, is part of an awareness campaign for clean water bodies.

“The lake looks wonderful when we look at it from a distance. But when we started cleaning it, all the unexpected things came out,” said Sanjay, Coordinator of Environmental Foundation of India. “There is a bar attached liquor shop near the lake. Those coming to the outlet throw the bottles and the plastic glasses into the lake after consuming alcohol,” he told The Covai Post.

What rattled the volunteers was a coffin that was brought out from the lake. “It was an unexpected object. All of us were shocked,” a volunteer remarked.

“Even if two out of 100 people take an initiative, a lot can be achieved in the days to come,” Sanjay added.

According to Manikandan, who has been involved in the cleanliness drive that has been going on for the last 61 weeks, a large number of fish were dying because of pollution.

“We have been working for the last 61 weeks on every Sunday for two things – to clean the lakes and to spread an awareness among people not to pollute water bodies.”

“Water from Government Hospital flows directly into the lake and I don’ think they do any water test in the hospital before letting it out. We are unaware whether they have such facility,” he added.