The National Service Scheme volunteers were imparted training with the objective of creating awareness of about effective conservation and maintenance of water resources among the public. The nine-day programme held at Kamaraj College concluded here on Tuesday.
The NSS volunteers had been identified as potential messengers to execute the programme in rural areas. Eminent scientists from Council of Scientific and Industrial Research , professors from various universities, officials from Public Works Department and Pollution Control Board, TWAD presented lectures on rain water harvesting, underground water conservation, hygienic practices to prevent water-borne diseases, proper use and recycling of water in industries, drip irrigation and correct usage of fertilizers, eradication of water hyacinth and karuvelam trees and also the need for planting saplings.
The volunteers took an oath to form “Green Eco Clubs” at their colleges to create awareness on environmental issues among the public.
These trained volunteers would establish nodal centres through which they would propagate the methodologies for ensuring safe drinking water, health, sanitation and hygiene, D. Nagarajan, Principal and Programme Organiser said.
Moreover, the NSS students would also be appointed as ‘Water Educator Fellows’ with a stipend of Rs.8000 per month for a period of six months to carry out the mission.
The trained water educator fellows would undertake field programmes in three districts – Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram through public meetings, rallies, internet communication, television and radio, he said.
At the valedictory function, P.Govindaraju, Professor and Syndicate Member of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli gave certificates to participants.
Hundreds of volunteers from various colleges attended the programme funded by National Council for Science and Technology Communication, New Delhi. M. Sakthivel, Director of College and faculty members were present.
