Agasthya 6.1 Event Report

As part of the IAMWARM Project of the Tamil Nadu Government, a group of farmers from Panagudi village led by Centre for Awareness and Rural Development Society visited the ACCC on 27th February 2012. I delivered a lecture on the importance of agro-biodiversity, improved farming practices and conservation of wetlands and its biodiversity to make farming more ecologically sustainable. Saravanan, Research Associate, ATREE delivered a lecture on Role of wetland plants in agriculture and human life'. This was followed by a tour to ACCC's nursery where the need to grow multipurpose tree species was highlighted. Officials from Public Works Department Mr. S. Aayub Khan, Ms. Karolin Rajasingh and Mr. S. Ilamurudhu also attended the meeting and shared their experience with the farmer group. This is the third consecutive training programme for IAMWARM project provided by ACCC.

Run for us

On February 2nd, ATREE's ACCCcollaborated with District Environment Club of Tirunelveli and Rotary Club of Tinnevelly to conduct a marathon to mark World Wetland Day. The marathon started at 9.30 AM at V.O. Chidhambaram stadium, Palayamkottai and concluded at Anna Stadium. Mr. Amanullah, Tirunelveli District Planning Officer flagged-off the marathon in the presence of several other guests/dignitaries from EducationDepartment, Rotary Club and other organizations. About 120 students both boys and girls from different schools of the district participated in this event. ACCC provided saplings to all participants to plant in their households and school campus as part of our effort to make our neighborhoods green. There was an overwhelming support from the region which subsidized the efforts and contributed to the success of the event. Hotel Aryas provided food; Rotary Club, TATA Gold plus and Ramco Cements sponsored T-shirts and caps to all participants. The marathon opened with a prelude by me on the 'Wetland day' and its importance of Tamiraparani river and the associated wetlands. Pocket guide to the Frogs and Toads of Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve was released by Rtn. Mr. Arumugapandian, District Governor of Rotary Club and Mr. Gajendrababu, District Environmental Officer received the first copy of the brochure. The print media highlighted the importance of the event which helped in reaching a wider audience in the landscape.