Dams brim, but these kids give a call to save water

No child's play

Though the heavens are open and the reservoirs are brimming, the city’s children have not forgotten the duty of conserving water.

It was the conclusion of ‘open minds week’ as part of ‘UN International Year of Water Cooperation’ at Podar International School, Vijayanagar, here, on Tuesday. Students took the lead to welcome guests, be spokespersons and address the conference to educate elders about water management.

Tanmay P, student of sixth standard, briefed about the importance of water management in the technology driven world. He said that the challenges were more on the front of water conservation. If this was not addressed immediately then the future looked unpredictable and bleak. He even stressed on the responsibility of students in the regard.

He said, there was need to draw attention of the globe in water management as conflicts had increased with regard to treaties.

The skit performed by Anagha and troupe enthused the audience comprising students, teachers and others. The short play delved on the serious problems that existed with elders as they lacked awareness on saving water for future benefit. Students who were taught about water management at school by their teachers tried to implement the same at their houses, and unfortunately received disappointing responses from the elders. Children were either told not to bother the elders or are shooed away with the parents saying that the reservoirs were, so there was no reason to worry about utilisation of water generously.

Kash Gowda, student of fifth standard had a literal experience of getting scolded by his mother for telling her not to waste water. He was told not to worry as the KRS reservoir was almost full.  Rachana, sixth standard, noted that the water could be saved and diverted to small villages where there is water scarcity.

Students even came out with information of diseases related to contaminated water and at the end they portrayed the world without plants and trees, where people and animals were seen suffering facing dire consequences.

The school students through out the week were involved in activities like preparing pamphlets, posters, songs related to the subject.

As many as 350 students later took out a ‘Parivarthan drive’ jatha from V V Mohalla
Traffic Police Station to Panchavati Circle spreading awareness among public regarding water crisis.

Divya V, Anarghya A C, Rashika K, Narendra Shetty, Joshel K and other students conducted the press conference.