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Papri and the River Rescue

by Leanna

Under 11s
MLC School Sydney
Australia
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Papri had always been captivated and thrilled by the beauty of the serene and idyllic stream that meandered through her village. The shimmering waters once teemed with vibrant life, and the air was filled with the lively sounds of nature. However, in recent times, the river has begun to change. Pollution was rampantly creeping into the water. The marine life that once thrived in the river had begun to vanish.

Determined to restore the river to its natural and pristine state, Papri knew she had to take action promptly to prevent the pollution from destroying the river’s ecosystem. But she would need assistance from someone who is knowledgeable of the river’s flow. Her companion, Nadi, a resourceful and bold river otter, has been her constant ally in all adventures. Nadi’s knowledge of the water, along with her sharp instincts, would be essential for solving this problem.

“Nadi,” Papri said, her face set with determination, “the river is in trouble. We need to do something before it is beyond rescues.  Can you help me clean it up?”

Nadi swished her tail thoughtfully, her fur glistening in the sun. “Papri,” she said, “I have an idea. If we work together, we can start by clearing the pollutants from this part of the river and prevent the waste from spreading further.”

Papri nodded, eager to hear more. “What’s the plan?”

“We will need to gather all the trash we can find along the riverbank. We will also need to build a barrier to stop the pollution from flowing downstream,” Nadi explained. “I will gather debris that is in the water, while you can help with collecting waste along the shore. Once we have cleared up this section, we will build a barrier to trap the rest of the waste.”

As they worked, Papri could not help but notice how the river seemed to be fighting back against the pollution. The once-dying plants along the banks began to perk up, and the air felt fresher. The small fish that had disappeared for weeks started to return, swimming cautiously and merrily through the cleaned-up sections of the river.

The final step was to build a barrier—a meticulously crafted dam made from natural materials that would trap the remaining debris and prevent it from spreading. Papri and Nadi worked together, using sticks, rocks, and mud to construct a solid structure. Slowly, the flow of the river changed its course, and the barrier began to hold back the worst of the pollution.

As the sun began to set, Papri and Nadi stood together, surveying their work. The river, though still affected by the pollution, was starting to heal over. The water was getting clearer and more crystalline, and the deteriorating ecosystem had begun to show signs of life again.

Nadi flicked her tail in satisfaction. “This is just the beginning,” she grinned. They showed everyone that even the smallest steps can make the biggest change.

From that day onwards, Papri and Nadi continued to fight against pollution. Their problem-solving skills and perseverance proved that even in the face of environmental challenges, hope and action could revive the world around them.

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