Wadakanchery (Thrissur, Kerala): A newly launched electric vehicle of the Haritha Karma Sena’s Navakanthi project fell into the Wadakanchery river soon after being flagged off at a municipal event.

The vehicle, meant to work as the mobile unit of Navakanthi, was driven by a Haritha Karma Sena member. Just after the municipal chairman flagged it off, the vehicle moved forward and slipped into the nearby river. Municipal Health Standing Committee Chairman P. R. Aravindakshan was also inside the vehicle.

Rising water level made rescue harder

The water level in the river was rising because the Kummayachira weir nearby was closed. With the windows rolled up, Aravindakshan managed to open the door and jump out first, followed by the driver.

Municipal staff standing on the bank jumped into the river to rescue both men.

Fire and Rescue team retrieves vehicle

The electric vehicle was later pulled out of the river with the help of a Fire and Rescue recovery van.

Navakanthi is a new project launched by the Haritha Karma Sena under the municipality’s solid waste management programme. The Rs 25 lakh fabric bag production unit includes a mobile outlet supported by the electric vehicle that fell into the river.

As part of the project, Haritha Karma Sena members collect old clothes from houses, clean and sort them, and make eco-friendly fabric bags, promoting recycling and sustainable living.