A one-man mission to save Vellayani

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In childhood, the runnel of water over his hands always amazed Binu. The small child transformed into a man over the years but his love for the waters remains unscathed. Binu, a native of Vellayani owns a welding shop. He built of boat for himself to embark on a mission to make Vellayani lake clean. Every morning at 6 am, Binu takes his paddles and gets into the water. Binu’s laudable work has no assistance. He himself gets into the lake in his small boat and covers the humungous area of the scenic lake taking up the waste and plastics clogged in many corners.

It was just two months before that Binu made up his mind to put his feet into this mission. The lake provides drinking water to three panchayats. But unfortunately, plastics, food waste, and sanitary napkins are choked up in huge quantities. Binu who always revered the lake couldn't stand the deterioration. Till now, he has cleared a waste that weighs around 600 kg. Among this, 350 kg came as plastic waste.

Many derided the one-man mission and commented it was a waste of time. But the talks and jibes never took a toll on his cleanliness mission. Meanwhile, Binu wants the government or the corporation to intrude into this and help him compose the waste he has collected from the lake. Binu’s wife, Bindhu is a homemaker. His son serves as the priest at Karamana shiva temple. His daughter is a degree student at NSS college.

Binu has his targets. If his dream of a bigger boat reaches fruition, he is happy enough to help collect waste and clean the Karamana river and the Killi river. If not for these deeds, the city will soon encounter another parvati puthanar, Binu warns.