The State government will celebrate World Environmental Day on Friday with an array of projects and programmes, Minister for Forests Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan has said.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Tuesday, Mr. Radhakrishnan said the State-level celebrations would be held in Kottayam.
The highlight of this year’s celebrations would be the launch of the Eco Steward Programme through which an army of eco-sensitive persons would mould entire lifestyles in tune with nature, Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
The project is being implemented with the involvement of various government departments including Agriculture, Education and Environment. The programme is intended to create awareness among the public by drawing inspiration from the sustainable lifestyles led by eco stewards, the Minister said
The project would be led by the Collector at the district level. The Assistant Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry) would represent the Department of Forests and Wildlife, he said.
Another ambitious project to be taken up on Friday will be the launch of 3,100 micro forests in association with other departments, institutions and organisations. The project includes ‘star tree forests’ containing trees linked to the 27 stars in astrology, herbal gardens and kuttivanams (micro forests). The move will not only increase greenery and biodiversity, but also the oxygen content in the atmosphere, he said.
Under the stream bank stabilisation programme, nearly 30 km of river banks would be covered with bamboos and mangroves. The government also plans to plant one million saplings as part of the social forestry initiative. Plans are also on to institutionalise the involvement of students in the afforestation drive through the introduction of green cards and green books.
Eco steward programme to form army of eco sensitive persons
3,100 micro forests, including star tree forests, to be launched
