Category: Environment
A two-day Environmental Awareness Camp covering wildlife, biodiversity, water management and solid waste management was organised recently in the city, as an initiative of the District Collectorate, Virudhunagar. The programme was held at two venues: Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Shenbagathoppu, and Ramco Institute of Technology (RIT).
More than 50 students and eight teachers from various higher secondary schools run by the state government across Virudhunagar district participated in the camp, which combined field-based learning with expert-led awareness sessions.
The time at Megamalai Tiger Reserve provided students with valuable exposure to wildlife and biodiversity in a natural setting. As part of the programme, Prof. V. Vivek of RIT conducted a session on Water Management in Plants, highlighting the importance of water for plant growth, the efficient utilisation of water and the need to conserve natural resources.
At the programme at RIT students took part in a series of sessions focusing on different aspects of environmental conservation and biodiversity. There were awareness sessions on snakes and human interaction, highlighting the ecological importance of snakes and the need for safe and responsible coexistence between humans and these reptiles. The programme included an informative session that introduced students to the diversity of butterflies, their ecological significance and their vital role as pollinators.
Experts from Ramco Community Services conducted a session on Solid Waste Management, focusing on waste segregation, responsible disposal, recycling and reuse. The session also emphasised the importance of adopting sustainable waste-management practices in support of the vision of Carbon Neutral Rajapalayam.
The camp concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Aravindhan, Chief Educational Officer, Virudhunagar District, who stressed the importance of environmental responsibility and called upon students to contribute to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, water conservation and sustainable waste management.
By combining field exposure at the Megamalai Tiger Reserve with interactive learning sessions at RIT, the awareness programme provided students with meaningful experiential learning. It enhanced their understanding of wildlife, biodiversity, butterflies, water management and solid waste management, while motivating them to become responsible ambassadors for nature conservation and environmental sustainability.
