Chennai: Did you know that social activists from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra were inspired by the work done at Madipakkam Ayyappa Nagar Lake?

The fifth edition of the Tamilnadu Water Bodies Conservation Activities Meet that was conducted by Tamilnadu Water Bodies Conservation forum in Chennai recently saw participation from activists from the above States and from various regions of Tamilnadu.

A Lake Safari Drive was organised by the combined efforts of Sabari Green Foundation, ExNoRa, Lions Club and many other residents welfare associations (RWA) from Madipakkam. Around 100 people participated in the drive.

Subramani, a social activist and head of Sabari Green Foundation, said, “This drive was organised by the combined efforts of many organisations. The motto of the meet is to discuss about the development plans to rejuvenate around 39,400 water bodies in Tamilnadu. Lake drive safaris will be organised to get a better picture of the lakes and ponds, so that development plans can be drafted better.”

He added, “People who participated in the drive were impressed by the efforts taken by the locals to maintain the lake and we, the residents of Madipakkam were really proud of it. Also, MLA has allocated Rs 1.25 crore for rejuvenation of the lake.”

Pari, another organiser, said, “The meet was organised to get ideas from different parts of the country to rejuvenate and maintain the waterbodies, to prevent any water crisis in the future. People from Tamilnadu visit other States and vice-versa to know more about the condition of various lakes and ponds in our country.”

The annual meet that was conducted last week was well received and Rajendra singh aka water man of India, was invited as the chief guest and lake safari was conducted in the lakes of Madipakkam and Rajakilpakkam.

Guruswamy, an advocate based out of Madurai, visited the lake as a part of the safari drive, said, “I was greatly impressed to know that so many people volunteer to maintain the lake and I hope this kind of social interest spreads to all parts of our country. I was surprised after knowing that this lake is being maintained by the combined efforts of various NGOs, residents, RWAs and the elected bodies also help the locals by lending their support. Madipakkam lake is definitely a good example for other residential areas.”

Sabari Green Foundation can be reached at 9884026023.