Thirty-two students and 18 teachers who went on an eco-tour of Pachamalai hills recently came back refreshed after breathing in fresh air in an unpolluted atmosphere.
They set out in three vans for the day-long camp inaugurated by P. Chandrasekar, District Environmental Coordinator, in the city.
On arrival at Pachamalai, they were received by Forest Department personnel at Top Sengattupatti and taken for trekking after a brief orientation on the herbs cultivated on the hills by the department, and the flora and fauna in Pachamalai.
Accompanied by Ravi, Forest Guard, the visitors trekked for nearly an hour. For many in the group, the trekking was a first-time experience.
Serene experience
But, the trip was not tiring in the serene atmosphere, Gregory, National Green Corps Coordinator for Lalgudi Educational District, said.
Both teachers and students told the Forest department personnel who kept explaining about characteristics of the plants and trees and their medicinal values during the course of the trek that breathing in fresh air on the hills was delightful.
At an evaluation session on their return to Top Sengattupatti, conducted by Mr. Gregory; the NGC Coordinators for Tiruchi and Musiri educational districts respectively; and Chadrasekar, Coordinator, DEW (Development and Education for Workers), the students had sought two-day visits to Pachamalai hills in future.
The Forest Department assured to provide the students sandalwood saplings during July.
