Kerala - Kochi   

Focus on tree-counting, garbage-free city

KOCHI: Counting of trees and identification of spots where saplings are to be planted will be the focus areas of the Environment Day observance in the city. The civic administration has chalked out a series of programmes for June 5 for celebrating the World Environment Day.

The Corporation has decided to combine the Environment Day celebrations with an awareness campaign among children on keeping the city free of garbage, said E.M. Sunilkumar, chairman of the Town Planning Standing Committee of the Kochi Corporation.

The counting of trees in the city will be held in two phases. The counting in the Edapally, Ernakulam and Vyttila zones of the Corporation will be held between June 5 and 20. In the second phase, the counting will be held in the Palluruthy-Fort Kochi areas.

Ten teams of students guided by botany teachers will carryout the tree count. The common name of the tree, its scientific name and uses will be recorded as part of the census. The Corporation has also issued directives to the officials to identify places where new saplings have to be planted as a large number of trees have been destroyed or uprooted in different parts of the city over the years. The planting of the saplings will be completed before July 30.

The Corporation is also planning to seek the support of traders and business community for the protection of trees. The Merchants’ Union and the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry have offered to cooperate with the project, Mr. Sunilkumar said.

The Corporation will inaugurate a programme for the free distribution of waste collection boxes and two plastic buckets for every classroom in the city schools. The students will be encouraged to collect biodegradable and non-biodegradable refuse separately in these buckets. The formal inauguration of the programme will be held on June 5 at a function to be held at the EMS Memorial Town Hall.

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