Save A.S Canal Project Survey at Naipunnya School of Management, Cherthala

• 22-10-2024

The 'Save AS Canal' survey was conducted on 22nd October 2024, aiming to assess the condition of the AS Canal and to gather insights from the local community regarding their perspectives on canal preservation. This initiative sought to create awareness about the significance of maintaining the canal’s ecosystem while engaging local stakeholders, including residents and business owners. Additionally, the survey involved 30 students of rithu club from various courses of first year degree program of Naipunnya School of Management cherthala who served as active participants, providing them with an opportunity for hands-on learning and community interaction. Through this approach, Cherthala Municipality aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the canal and the community's concerns.

The survey began on 22nd October 2024 at Vijnana Sandhayani Shree Mahavishnu Temple. Participants, including students and local volunteers, assembled at around 10:00 AM for a briefing session. They were then divided into three specific teams based on the scope of their tasks:

Canal Observation Team: Focused on directly observing the physical conditions of the canal, including water quality, cleanliness, and any blockages or pollution sources.

Household Survey Team: Engaged with local residents to understand their views on the canal’s condition, their awareness of its importance, and their willingness to participate in preservation efforts.

Commercial Survey Team: Interacted with business owners near the canal to gather insights into their practices, such as waste disposal, that might impact the canal.

Each team was assigned different sections of the canal area to ensure broad coverage. They were equipped with materials necessary for the survey, including questionnaires and t-shirts featuring the slogan "Save AS Canal" to promote visibility and encourage community participation. Following the briefing, all teams began their work at 11:00 AM, with each team targeting five households or businesses, with the possibility of covering additional locations if time allowed.

The survey process officially started at 11:00 AM. Each team diligently followed their assigned routes, visiting households and commercial establishments and documenting their findings. The Canal Observation Team made notes on the physical state of the canal, identifying areas with litter accumulation and sections where water flow was obstructed. Meanwhile, the Household Survey Team collected feedback from residents regarding the importance of the canal and any challenges they faced, such as flooding or odor issues. The Commercial Survey Team focused on how local businesses managed waste disposal and their interest in contributing to the canal’s upkeep.

By 1:00 PM, all teams completed their initial rounds of surveys and gathered at a pre-designated spot near St. Mary’s School, Cherthala, for a lunch break. This provided an opportunity for the participants to regroup and share preliminary observations. After the break, the teams were instructed to conduct additional visits to two more shops in their respective areas to ensure a more comprehensive collection of data.

After the lunch break, the participants resumed their efforts with renewed energy. The teams quickly completed the additional surveys, further enriching the data set with more perspectives from the community. This extra effort ensured that the survey captured a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities for preserving the AS Canal.

The 'Save AS Canal' survey concluded successfully, achieving its objectives of gathering crucial data and engaging the community in discussions about the canal's future. All teams managed to complete their assigned tasks, covering the targeted number of locations and obtaining valuable insights. The observation data and community feedback collected during the survey will play a vital role in informing future preservation efforts by Cherthala Municipality. This initiative not only heightened awareness about the canal's condition but also fostered a sense of shared responsibility among residents and businesses. The active participation of students also underscored the importance of involving young people in environmental conservation efforts.

The survey’s success marked an important step towards protecting the AS Canal, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between the community, local authorities, and volunteers to ensure the long-term health of this vital waterway. As the next steps, the gathered data will be analyzed to design targeted interventions and awareness campaigns, ensuring the canal remains a cherished resource for Cherthala's residents.

Programme Expenditure

Report of the programme  Download