THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A mela, to preserve the Chittar river, has begun in the city. The event, which is held at the banks of the river at Chittatinkara, will have a number of entertaining activities in store for many. Chittar Mela is being organized jointly by the Chittar Samrakshana Samithi and the Marayamuttam Sahakarana Bank According to Vinod Sen, one of the patrons, the initiative is being held to create awareness among the people on the plight of the river. “Chittar river is fading into obscurity, even from people’s memories. If this continues in the same state, in another ten years, no one will care about the river and encroachments will continue in the area. The mela is being held as an attempt at conserving the river and the area around it,” he said.
Among the events held was a pet show, water show, laser show, flower show, medical exhibition and more. There will be photo exhibitions, boat rides and much more to offer. The venture has much in store for kids too. An amusement park is also one of the attractions.
The mela is an eco-friendly initiative, adds Vinod. “We have tried to make the event environment-friendly and green as possible, with less plastic. Bamboo and other natural resources have been mostly used for constructions as part of the mela.” The event was inaugurated by V M Sudheeran. The mela will be on till September 12. Vinod said, “We plan to follow up this venture with more activities to preserve the river and surrounding areas from encroachment,” he said.