Kayaking for a cause: How rowers celebrated cleaning Vembanad tributary

Kochi: When water sport enthusiasts and student volunteers of the city joined hands for the cause of the environment, it resulted in a clearer and cleaner Periyar tributary on World Water Day.

Actor-dancer Rima Kallingal flagged off the drive in which around 30 kayaks participated. The volunteers from St. Teresa's College and various kayaking clubs removed plastic garbage from the water body which joins the Vembanad lake.

The event was organised by Nihara Resort and Spa at Kothad Island in association with Scuba Cochin, Kalypso Adventures, Ben's Cruises and Secret Routes.

Following the cleaning drive, a day-long awareness programme for college students in the city was also held event. It was organised jointly by Nihara, the Kochi Metro, St. Teresa's College, Aster DM Healthcare and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC). Kadamakudy Panchayat president Mary Vincent inaugurated the event. Environmental experts Dr Jiji Joseph, Dr Sreekanth, Dr Anila Alex and Jibi Kuriakose led the awareness sessions. An exhibition of photographs and paintings on nature was also organised as part of the programme.

Nihara Resorts and Spa Managing Director Thomas Varghese said that a series of follow-up events such as mangrove planting, eco-friendly aquatourism, water sports and bird photography would be organised.