Kochi painted green on World Environment Day

KOCHI: The entire city looked green on Tuesday, the World Environment Day. Various agencies and forums had organized a slew of programmes to mark day in an attempt to create awareness on the importance of environment protection.
The inmates of Janaseva Boys’ Home in Nedumbassery showed their support by planting saplings and cleaning the premises of Janaseva Boys’ Home English Medium School.
There was also a quiz competition at the school followed by an environmental message from A P Rajammal, principal.
Amrita Vidyalayam marked the day by inaugurating an Eco Club at its campus. The event was attended by Hibi Eden MLA and district forest officer Unnikrishnan.
Punjab National Bank planted saplings at the Fire and Rescue Station, Gandhinagar. G Somasekharan Nair, assistant general manager, was the chief guest.
‘Plant a Tree – Spread the Green’ campaign, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Infopark and Kerala State Horticultural Department, commenced at the Infopark campus on Tuesday. K Babu, minister for fisheries, ports and excise, inaugurated the campaign by planting a sapling.
Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Thrikkakara started an environmental drive on the day by planting different varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants both in its technical and residential complexes to ensure a campus rich in biodiversity.
S Anantha Narayanan, director, inaugurated the celebration in which scientists, officers and staff members took part.
Shakthi, a national movement for women, conducted a seminar on ‘Green education - the need of the day’ at Govt Girls Higher Secondary School. K Jayachandran, FACT division chief engineer, inaugurated the function.
At Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, the Swadeshi Science Movement held a programme to highlight the importance of a clean environment through waste management. It was inaugurated by Hibi Eden MLA along with Justice K Sukumaran. Eighty two students from 12 schools in the district participated in the event.
The Kerala Catholics Bishop Council (KCBC) took a different approach. It urged the youth in the state to treat the environment as one’s own home. KCBC also planted medicinal plants at Kalamasserry.
The event was presided over by Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.
The Kerala Paristhithi Samrakshana Forum, the environment cell of BJP, and the Verapoly Archdiocese also celebrated the day with a host of programmes.
Mathrubhumi, in association with Federal Bank, celebrated the day through the programme, SEED (student empowerment for environmental development).
Director Sathyan Anthikadu and actor Biju Menon were present.
Legal Services Society also organized a programme in connection with the day. It was attended by CBI special judge P K Lakshmanan.