A touching video from Kerala’s famed Alleppey backwaters has gone viral, highlighting an inspiring act of civic responsibility.
The clip, shared by content creator Riddhi Plants (@riddhiplants), shows an elderly man in a small boat collecting plastic water bottles floating in the serene backwaters. While tourists admired the scenic beauty, the man quietly gathered discarded bottles one by one, placing them carefully into his boat.
A simple act, a strong message
The video was filmed early in the morning during a visit to the backwaters. What struck viewers was the contrast between the natural beauty of the waters and the plastic waste left behind by visitors.
Sharing the video online, the creator wrote that if people can carry plastic bottles with them during their visit, they can certainly carry them back. She described responsible tourism as the true mark of good civic sense.
The clip has since resonated widely, as conversations around civic behaviour and environmental responsibility continue to gain momentum across India.
Netizens applaud responsible tourism
Social media users praised the elderly man’s initiative, calling it a reminder that protecting nature is a shared duty. Many urged tourists to respect the places they visit and avoid littering fragile ecosystems.
Kerala’s backwaters are among the state’s most treasured natural attractions, drawing visitors from across the world. However, increasing tourism has also brought environmental challenges, including plastic pollution.
The viral video serves as a gentle but powerful reminder that sustainable travel begins with individual responsibility. Small actions — like disposing of waste properly — can collectively protect the beauty of destinations for future generations.