A large variety of programmes, some of which stood out for their novelty, marked the observance of the World Environment Day in the district on Sunday.
Additional Director General of Police Anil Kant led the observance organised on the premises of the State police headquarters. Plants including ‘amla,’ ‘jamba,’ cherry, fig, tamarind, neem and clove were planted.
Superintendents of Police Sanjay Kumar Gurudin, K. Ajith, Information Deputy Director P.S. Rajasekharan, Hi-tech Crime Enquiry Cell Assistant Commandant N. Vinayakumaran Nair, and Deputy Superintendent of Police E.N. Suresh were also present.
Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated the celebration that was organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board on the premises of the Sree Mahadeva Temple in Kazhakuttam. Board president Prayar Gopalakrishnan presided over the function.
The planting drive being undertaken by V. Sivakumar, MLA, in various parts of the Thiruvananthapuram Assembly constituency was inaugurated by noted Gandhian P. Gopinathan Nair at the Sree Chitra Home. As many as 10,905 saplings will be planted in connection with the drive.
A drawing competition was held under the aegis of the All Kerala School Teachers Union (AKSTU) at the Museum grounds. Union state president Sarathchandran Nair inaugurated the programme. AKSTU state unit secretary K. Buhari was present.
An environment conservation ‘wall’ was created by students at Ulloor Junction to mark the day. The ‘wall,’ created under the aegis of the Santhi help line functioning under the Matha Mariam Ashram at Powdikonam, saw Electricity and Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Kerala Council of Churches president Gabriel Mar Gregorios join students and parents to create awareness.
The week-long celebration of the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) was launched by CPI district secretary G.R. Anil on the premises of late CPI leader and environmentalist K.V. Surendranath’s residence at Thirumala. Saplings were also planted in memory of the late party stalwarts including C. Achutha Menon and Veliyam Bhargavan at various places including the M.N. Memorial at Pattom.
Honouring poet
A mango sapling of the ‘Kilichundan’ variety was planted at Pattoor in honour of noted activist and poet Sugathakumari.
The initiative of the Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Company Limited was undertaken to replace the mango tree, which had once existed near the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology.
The Kerala Nadeethada Jala Samrakshana Samithi observed the day with its volunteers planting 101 saplings in their own lands. Samithi president Kilimanoor Sasidharan and general secretary V.R. Mohandas led the efforts.
