The rains that lashed Chennai and subsequent floods that nearly submerged the State Capital saw an outpouring of concern from across the State, especially from Coimbatore. So many people and institutions and transport companies opened their hearts, and how.

But, beyond all the help is a great lesson for everyone to learn. Coimbatore is one of the few cities with great environmental awareness. We have desilted lakes, planted more saplings to add to the green cover, raised urban forests, and more. This weekend, do you bit to ensure your city stays safe, during rain or shine.

It does not even take much time. Form a group of like-minded people, who work quickly yet efficiently. Head out to a locality nearest to you and conduct a survey of what’s right and wrong there. Focus on homes, streets and public institutions. If there’s a blockage preventing rain water from seeping into the ground, set that right. If the entry to the common drain is choked with plastic, remove that and educate the people about the need to avoid plastic. If there are any exposed wires or if the electricity post needs maintenance, inform the official concerned. Take a check-list along and keep marking items as you move from one home to the next. By the end of the exercise, you’ll have a fair idea about the travails that plague the people. And, by the end of it, you would have also helped all who needed it, without a single bureaucratic delay.

The cleaned lakes and water bodies will now be ready to receive all the bounty from above. And you will head back to work on Monday knowing you made a difference.

In many Chennai apartments, not many knew who their neighbours were. Not any more. The floods broke down all barriers. And, when power lines snapped and homes went waterless, these same neighbours housed and fed you and sent you back with a huge bottle of water, making you feel like you were one among the family.

Coimbatore has still not fallen into a mechanical routine, but do make it a point to know your immediate neighbours. Meet them on a relaxed Sunday morning, break the ice over tea and stay in touch. Be as good a neighbor as you would want to experience. You never know when you can save each others’ lives.