In different strokes,students fight for Yamuna’s cause

The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) in collaboration with the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) organised a painting competition as part of the celebrations.

The theme was “Aao Yamuna mein jaan daalein”,also the motto of DJB’s Yamuna Action Plan-II (YAP),and “Love for Nature”.

“This is TERI’s first attempt at organising an awareness programme at such a large scale. The programme began on April 15 and concludes on April 22,” says Neha,project coordinator,TERI.

“Many people clean their utensils,clothes and animals in the Yamuna. The unclean water enters the food chain and finally affects us,” Sonu,a Class VII student of Government Boys’ Secondary School,Mehrauli,says.

Thirteen-year-old Manisha’s palette paints a vivid difference between the clean Yamuna and a dirty one with carcasses of animals. “I have told my parents that they should not throw garlands or food into the river,” says the Class VII student from Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya,Samalka.

Not only are the students excited to contribute towards saving the Yamuna,the teachers feel these activities will help them become more responsible. “Their thinking ability and creative skills increase. They become aware of problems that the planet is facing,” says Sandeep Kaur,a teacher at Sri Ram School,Aravali campus,Gurgaon.

“The DJB frequently organises such events. The students get a lot of exposure and learn a lot more outside their classrooms,” Manjula,a teacher at Government Girls’ School,Badarpur,says.

The DJB’s Public Outreach Programme aims to reach unorganised colonies,JJ clusters,rural villages and schools by doing streetplays and showcasing films. Apart from participating in this painting competition,the students of this school are also busy rehearsing for a play to be staged at their school on the eve of Earth Day.

The reporter is a student of EXIMS