Shimla Teen becomes an Eco-Hero

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The 12-year-old boy, who is an environmental activist hailing from Shimla, and now living in Mumbai, has been named as a 2021 International Young Eco-Hero, taking into account his efforts to solve difficult environmental problems.

Ayaan Shankta has won the 3rd place in the age category of 8-14, for his project of Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Powai Lake, said a media release issued on Wednesday.

He is one of the 25 young environmental activists from across the globe honoured by the Action for Nature or AFN as a 2021 International Young Eco-Hero - an award that recognizes the eco-conscious youth aged 8-16 who are taking vital steps to solve the hard-hitting environmental problems.

Ayaan says, "My mission is for the lake to regain its past glory as a clean and vibrant body of water."

He lives near a lake which earlier used to be a source of drinking water for the city of Mumbai. But now this lake has become not more than a dumping ground for sewage and garbage.

Ayaan’s project is aiming to raise awareness regarding pollution, clean the lake, and overall protect the ecosystem around it.

Ayaan has been working with NGOs in order to raise awareness and organize clean-ups. Ayaan has also authored a report about the lake conditions and is now working on a documentary about the Powai Lake.

He said, "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."

Kids like Ayaan have shown that the next generation of leaders are here, and refuse to wait to solve the world's most urgent environment issues, said Beryl Kay. She is the president to Action For Nature - an international non-profit organization that encourages the youth to nurture love and respect for our Earth and to start taking up personal action to improve the environment.

Beryl said, "The projects that these young people created will not only have real, positive impacts on their communities, they will also help solve global climate challenges and inspire others, no matter what age, to consider what they can do to help."

This was about the noble deeds that this little 12-year-old is doing for our environment. What he is doing is indeed praise-worthy and deserves more recognition. If we too, start doing our bit for the eco-system, keep it cleaner, then the world would start being a much nicer place to live in. Ayaan has proved this by contributing to the lake. Comment down below your thoughts regarding the same, and tell us if you know of any more such youth. Do visit the space for more such interesting stories!