‘Wetland on Wheels’ in schools to conserve water bodies

The programme supported by the Ministry of Forest and Environment  is organised by the environment resource centre of Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment.

 

Mr Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Minister for Transport and Forest, will inaugurate the exhibition  at Karappuzha Higher Secondary School, Kuttanad, said  Mr T.D. Jojo,  project coordinator, ATREE.

 

The exhibition,  which will cover 50 schools in Kuttanad, will disseminate information about how the wetland ecosystem functions. Documentary screening,  display of posters and distribution of water testing kits have been included in the project. This will help students to be part of the local wetland conservation efforts and create awareness 

among  them about local bio-cultural diversity conservation strategies, initiatives and modules.  Technical support will be provided in implementation at  the regional level and interactive sessions and competitions will be held. 

 

Mr K.M. Poovu, secretary, Vembanad Kayal Samprakshana Samithy, says it  is necessary to build up a wetland conscious generation.  “The Vembanad lake, spanning  2,033 sq km, is one of the largest  in the country. The plastic materials thrown into the lake have affected the fish wealth. It is estimated that a total of 7,500 tonnes of fish wealth is being depleted every year in the lake,” he says.