Srinivas Young Men’s Association is revisiting the idea that led to its formation thirty seven years ago. The group was formed to promote and maintain a clean environment in the neighbourhood. Last Sunday, it re-launched this initiative in Triplicane. “In 1977, SYMA was born to keep the area clean. We started by cleaning the Parthasarathy Swamy Temple Tank which was in a bad state. We later extended our activities to sweep the streets during weekends,” recalls T. J. Ramani, one of the founders of the Association, adding, “We were all young with so much of enthusiasm.” This campaign however fizzled out after SYMA started venturing into new projects. 

With the ‘Clean India’ campaign gaining ground in various neighbourhoods and many devotees complaining about the poor civic condition around the Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, it has been re-launched. Last week, as part of the pilot project under the ‘Clean Triplicane’ campaign, three streets around the Parthasarathy Swamy Temple — T.P. Koil, South Mada and Peyalwar Street — were spruced up.

This initiative would be extended to the other streets in the neighbourhood in the coming months. Three people have been hired exclusively for the purpose. SYMA is spending around Rs. 20,000 a month and plans to find more sponsors to fund the campaign.

“Each of the streets is divided into blocks and a representative will coordinate cleaning work around his block. He or she would be responsible for motivating more residents to help in the initiative,” says R. Sanjeevi, one of the secretaries. A group of youngsters have volunteered to carry out cleaning work every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Cattle menace is a major issue in Triplicane. By re-launching the campaign, members hope to find a solution to this long-standing issue too.

“All of us may not be directly involved in cleaning the street as in the early days. The larger goal is to help more people come forward and take up some role. It could even be helping a conservancy staff or overseeing cleaning work at a street,” says Sanjeevi. To join the campaign, call Sanjeevi at 99400 86026 or visit www.syma.in