Thuvakkam's Eco-Warriors: Chennai's Youngsters' 'Clean-up After Dark' Movement is Making a Sustainable Difference!

A group of passionate youngsters in Chennai has initiated a unique clean-up campaign called "Clean-up After Dark," aiming to bring attention to neglected public spaces and kickstart a green revolution in the city. Led by Krishna Kumar, the group operates under the banner of Thuvakkam, an NGO focused on promoting sustainable practices. The initiative, which began on the shores of Marina nine years ago, was conceived by Krishna and his friends during a discussion on the potential impact of individual efforts on society. Realizing the collective responsibility of individuals, they decided to take action and founded Thuvakkam. Thuvakkam's first undertaking was a tree-planting initiative on their college campus in 2014, followed by a painting project at Tirusulam Railway station. Recognizing the link between education and environmental conservation, they introduced the Karka Kasadara program, providing training to children from government schools and low-income families. Another significant achievement of Thuvakkam is the implementation of the Miyawaki technique, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. This approach has enabled the establishment of 42 urban forests in various locations, including Chennai, Hyderabad, and Tiruvallur, resulting in rapid and dense forest growth. With a focus on sustainability, Thuvakkam maintains 95% of the 1.8 lakh trees they have planted in Tamil Nadu. Their future plans include expanding their reach to rural areas and increasing their volunteer base from 2,000 to 10,000. The efforts of these determined youngsters serve as a reminder that small individual actions can lead to significant positive change in creating a greener and more sustainable future for cities.