21 students from different universities of The United States, put their effort to clean up the lakes of Udaipur flooded with water hyacinth (Jalkumbhi), yesterday on July 24, 2011 at Amarkund Lake Pichola.

A group of students who are researching on the socio-economic conditions of India led by San Francisco based –Foundation for Substantial Development (FSD) which works to enhance the capacity of NGOs worldwide for more effective exertion of their work.

Along with FSD, Udaipur’s Mohan Sinha Mehta Memorial Trust also played a vital role to organize the event.

When the group of students learnt about the historical and social background of Udaipur and the importance of Lakes in the lives of local community, they wished to lend a hand to improve the condition of the lakes by whatever means they could and the students cleaned 15 quintal of water hyacinth from Lake Pichola.

Abigail Weitman – Wellesley College (Massachusetts) said “I hope our small efforts today will set an example for the larger community. I hope they take ownership of their water and work to clean their lakes. “

Another student Kalindi Shah – Northwestern University (Illinois) said “It is very eye opening to clean the lake. I know it will definitely affect my actions. I strongly believe the citizens of Udaipur should mobilize and take great effort to maintain the security and sanctity of their beautiful lakes. This is your lakes, this is your health, and this is your life. Take care of it.”

Local NGOs and members of Lake Conservation society were also there to help these students.

Nand Kishore Sharma – Secretary of Mohan Sinha Mehta Trust said “the seminar on ‘ Livelihood of Udaipur’ points out the rural problems both social and economical from a deeper perspective. I must say that it touched these students so much they showed interest in doing something for lakes of Udaipur.”

The seminar was conducted by Yash Sethia – director FES, Dr. Jagdish Purohit – Director, Society for Promotion of Wasteland Development and Dr. Pallavi of Gandhi Manav Kalyan Samiti.

Soon after the seminar, Dr. Tej Rajdhan and Anil Mehta of Lake Conservation society had discussed about the present scenario of Udaipur lakes, the problems and solutions.

Another student Colette Ghunim – Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois said “Today was beautiful day to see community members taking control of their environment. If people want clean water, they are the ones who must make it happen. Every Sunday morning they clean, so go help them and get what you want, a healthy life.”

17 students out of 22 were from North Western University, the rest belongs to Newark University. Presently, these students are working under 4-5 local NGOs, especially to focus on the development of rural areas of Udaipur.