Youngsters sprint to save lakes

Except that these runners are not from any NGOs – they are a group of businessmen, corporate staff and professionals from all over India who met in Bengaluru – and decide to undertake a run every December, for a certain cause under the banner – Mera Terah Run (MTR).

“Last year, the run intended to promote the use of millets.

This time round, we chose the theme of lake conservation. The event is an annual 13-day pilgrimage, spread across 13 days in December, wherein we run 13 miles every day (which constitutes a half-marathon), and participate in activities related to the cause by connecting with other running groups, NGOs, social organisations and volunteer bases in these cities. We travel by rail between destinations.

Mera Terah Run is self-funded and executed by volunteers,” explains one of the active runners, Srikrishna Vaidyalingam.

With the intent to create awareness on sewage, plastic waste and non-degradable substances dumped into lakes, the runners – around 13 of them - have been traversing along Tamil Nadu (both urban and rural areas) to do their bit to conserve water bodies.

“We began the run at Kolar in Karnataka, where eight NGOs joined us in flagging off our journey with some activities.

Then we hit Kovai and engaged in cleaning the lakes there with volunteers and met the Kovai Kulangal Pathugappu Amaippu.

Next, in Alappuzha we worked with fishermen to build fish sanctuaries. Then a trip to Salem where runners collaborated with environmental activist Piyush Manush, after which we reached Chennai. Here, we met volunteers from Chitlapakkam Rising and Mogappair Fitness Club,” he says.

Throughout their stint in each city, the runners completed their 13 miles daily. Puducherry is next after which we travel to Mulbagal in Karnataka. The final run will be held at Bengaluru with the last leg to be completed at the historic lake at Lalbagh.