Entrepreneurs, CEOs to hit the streets for saving Vasant Kunj lake, migratory birds
Entrepreneurs, CEOs to hit the streets for saving Vasant Kunj lake, migratory birds
White-collar professionals have always been accused of giving cold shoulder to social causes.
However, residents of south Delhi's posh Vasant Kunj area will take to the streets today to save a 500-year-old lake.
The Neela Hauz is the only source of natural recharge of groundwater in Vasant Kunj and home to countless migratory birds. However, it was taken over by the Public Works Department for the construction of a flyover primarily to facilitate traffic flow for the Commonwealth Games. The lake was filled with debris and the surrounding forest littered with construction material following which worried locals approached the Lieutenant Governor. They were assured that once the construction is over by December, the PWD will remove the debris and the lake will be handed over to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
|
|
Concrete jungle: Construction work on in the full swing on the flyover at Neela Hauz pic/Rajeev Tyagi |
But the residents, comprising mostly of high-profile businessmen, CEOs and professionals, apprehend that the authorities may go back on their promise. "The march will serve as a reminder to the government that the citizens are waiting and watching," said Jyoti Sharma, chief co-ordinator, Citizens Group for Protection of Neela Hauz.
"To begin with, in the morning students from nearby schools will visit the Neela Hauz for a 'Save The Neela Hauz Appeal'. The children will paint messages and graffiti to communicate the message. Apart from this, they will also bring along a memorandum for the Lieutenant Governor and an appeal for RWAs of nearby areas to help protect the lake. And in the evening, citizens of the area will take out a candle light vigil to remind the government of its promise," Sharma elaborated.
The PWD, however, reiterated its commitment to remove the debris from the area after the completion of work. "We will hand over the lake to the DDA and the rest will be done by them," said Umesh Mishra, project manager, PWD.
Environmentalist Vinod Jain hailed the move by the Vasant Kunj residents. "We want vigilant citizens to come forward and do their bit for environment," said Jain, who is associated with NGO Tapas.
