In recognition of his efforts to overcome difficult environmental challenges, a 12-year-old environmental activist from Mumbai has been awarded a 2021 International Young Eco-Hero. According to a media statement published on Wednesday, Ayaan Shankta received third place in the 8-14 age category for his project Conservation and Rehabilitation of Powai Lake.
He is one of 25 young environmental activists from around the globe named a 2021 International Young Eco-Hero by Action For Nature (AFN), an award that honours eco-conscious youngsters aged 8 to 16 who are taking critical initiatives to overcome difficult environmental challenges.
“My mission is for the lake to regain its past glory as a clean and vibrant body of water,” said Ayaan.
Ayaan lives beside a lake that used to be a source of drinking water for Mumbai but has now become a dumping ground or garbage. His project is to raise pollution awareness, clean up the lake, and protect the ecosystem around it. Ayaan has written an action report on lake conditions and is currently working on a documentary about Powai Lake, in addition to working with NGOs to raise awareness and arrange clean-ups.. “Not only will this help in bringing about ecological balance in the thickly populated city of Mumbai, but it will also help to conserve endangered species,” he said.
