Fountainhead Global School, SWAN launch cleanup & Plantation drive at Meedikunta Lake
HYDERABAD: Fountainhead Global School, in collaboration with Save Water And Nature (SWAN), is gearing up for the “Cleanup & Plantation Drive at Meedikunta Lake” in Mathrusree Nagar, Hafeezpet at 9 AM on June 5th. The initiative aims to revive Meedikunta Lake, addressing both environmental and community concerns.
In a conversation with Hyderabadmail.com, Meghana Musunuri, Founder and Chairperson of Fountainhead Global School & Jr College, emphasized the importance of maintaining the lake. “Until you maintain the lake, there is no use in cleaning it again and again,” she said. Musunuri urged everyone to step forward and participate in this social cause. She highlighted the necessity of consistent community involvement for the lake’s upkeep.
Lack of local participation and illegal sewage connections
Meghana expressed disappointment over the lack of local participation. “Not all our students reside near the lake, yet they are coming to take part,” she noted. She hoped that local residents would observe and join the effort. However, she lamented that no locals have come forward to clean the lake. “Some locals, who constructed their houses illegally, are connecting their sewage lines directly to the lake,” Musunuri said. Meghana pointed out that there were no sewage connections to nearby houses until residents approached government officials and complained about it.
She revealed that, despite three years of requests, authorities have not placed dustbins at the lake. She invited locals to participate voluntarily in the event to understand the importance of the revival cause. “From the past three years, we’ve been asking the authorities to keep dustbins at the lake, but they still have not taken any step towards it,” she said.
Impact of the revival effort
The revival plan includes an entry gate from Mathrusree Nagar. “Earlier, there was no proper way to reach the lake,” Musunuri explained. Meghana said that the area was surrounded by sewage water. The team has constructed a walkway around the lake and installed large sewage pipes. “We proudly say that we’ve seen a significant drop in dengue cases after the revival of the lake,” she added.
Plantation and Recycling drive
Musunuri announced the plantation of Wedelia plants along the lakeside of Meedikunta Lake. “We are planting Wedelia plants along the lakeside of Meedikunta Lake,” she said. The initiative also includes a recycling program where students can sell their waste. Planting Wedelia plants along lakesides is crucial for groundwater protection. These plants help stabilize soil, reducing erosion and sedimentation in the water. Their deep roots improve water infiltration, enhancing groundwater recharge. Additionally, Wedelia plants act as natural filters, trapping pollutants and preventing them from entering the lake, thus maintaining cleaner water bodies and healthier ecosystems.
The “Cleanup & Plantation Drive at Meedikunta Lake” is a significant step towards environmental preservation and community involvement. Fountainhead Global School and SWAN are committed to making a lasting impact. Musunuri’s call for local participation highlights the collective responsibility in maintaining natural resources. The initiative not only aims to clean the lake but also to instill a sense of stewardship in the community.
