Sustained protection of environment is key: Kiran Bedi

Puducherry: The Union Territory of Puducherry celebrated Earth Day in a unique way under the leadership of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

Joining hands with students of 13 schools, colleges and volunteers of various NGOs, Ms Bedi led the celebrations at the botanical garden here on the occasion of World Earth Day on Sunday.

The celebrations included painting the walls, highlighting the importance of the environment, cleaning up the ground, and planting saplings. She joined the students in painting the walls and reminded them that there should be a sustained protection of the environment.

Ms Bedi later said that all volunteers joined the celebrations of Earth Day were split into groups of 13 and will now tend to portions  the park.  "The specific areas marked will have their institutional identity mentioned. All 13 groups identified their prefered places and the ownership began from today itself," said Ms Bedi.
Other places not taken up will be open to be offered to other groups like senior citizens, SHGs and others to be co-opted in due course.

Representative Volunteers of these 13 groups will be given photo ID cards by the Additional Director of Agriculture department to come and serve without having to buy an entry ticket, Ms Bedi said. She also urged the officials of the department of agriculture to ensure that horticulture organic waste management pits shall be made to ensure availability of organic manure for the park.

The Lt Governor suggested hosting a light and sound show  for Puducherry in a scientific manner to attract tourists and visitors  with the approval of technical committee.