Srirangapatna:  With an intention of cleaning River Cauvery, the lifeline of crores of people along the Cauvery basin, ‘Clean Cauvery’ initiative began near Wellesley Bridge across Cauvery in Srirangapatna yesterday. Vedabrahma Dr. Bhanuprakash Sharma launched the initiative in front of Anjaneyaswamy Temple at Cauvery North bridge in the town.

More than 300 persons, representing different organisations such as Srirangapatna Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti, Abhinav Bharath, Chaitanya Pade, Meenugarara Sangha, TMC members and others took part in the initiative.

Two JCB machines and two  tractors were engaged in the river cleaning up operations, which included removal of algae, plants, weeds etc.

Taking part in the initiative, farmer activist and BJP leader K.S. Nanjundegowda said that it was disappointing to note that educated persons travelling from Mysuru to Bengaluru and vice-versa in vehicles, stop      their vehicles on the Cauvery bridge and throw wastes into the river. Noting that dumping of garbage and wastes into the river was one of the main reasons for the river getting polluted, he said that another reason is sewage water from towns and cities along the river basin being let into the river.

He urged the State Government to come up with a viable proposal for cleaning up Cauvery River in the better interest of humankind.

Lokesh, head of Abhinav Bharath, one of the organisation in the forefront of the campaign, said that the persons taking part in the campaign have been divided into four groups —  West Cauvery, South Cauvery, North Cauvery and East Cauvery — with export swimmers accompanying each group.

Claiming that yesterday’s drive was a huge success, he said that more organisations are expected to join the  campaign. Pointing out that the campaign has targeted cleaning up Cauvery from Bathing Ghat in the town up to Ganjam’s Nimishamba Temple, Lokesh appealed the members of the public to join hands with them for this noble cause, which is aimed at protecting the environment.

Awareness rally from Mysuru TOMORROW

In order to publicise the campaign, the participating organisations will be taking out an awareness rally from Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Palace North Gate, in Mysuru to Srirangapatna tomorrow (June 5). The rally will be flagged off at 6.30 am at Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Mysuru.