Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Vice Chancellor R. Chandrababu has called for efforts to make environment greener and cleaner.
Inaugurating the planting operations at the KAU as part of a World Environment Day at Vellanikkara, Dr. Chandrababu said product innovation, awareness creation, and strong commitment were keys to the success of the Haritha Keralam Mission. The KAU fraternity should take the lead for Haritha Keralam’s success. He called upon the students to sponsor at least one tree so that even after passing out from the university, they could feel proud to come back to their alma mater and see the trees planted and sponsored by them. He also declared the enforcement of green protocol on the KAU campuses.
“The threats raised by black plastic and micro plastics are yet to be realised in full. Out of the 340 million tonnes of plastic globally generated, 9% is recycled, 12% is incinerated, and the balance 79% ends up in environment. This does not get biodegraded, but become micro particles, which enter our food chain raising serious threats to planetary health. The recycling of black plastics, especially those from e-waste, also poses threat. The only way to mitigate these challenges is to become smarter in production, use and disposal of plastics. We have to beat the plastic before it beats us,” he said.
Mr. Chandrababu handed over the MoA signed between the KAU and Ollukkara block panchayat for waste disposal and inaugurated the distribution of bins for collection of organic and inorganic waste to volunteers of National Service Scheme.
Registrar P. S. Geethakutty read out the Green protocol pledge. Haritha Keralam coordinator A. Prema explained the action plan. Ollukkara Block panchayat president R.S. Umadevi, Forestry faculty Dean K. Vidyasagaran and K.E. Usha spoke.
The Vice-Chancellor also inaugurated Mazha Mela, a campaign to promote planting of forest and fruit trees during the monsoon being organised by Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), Mannuthy; planting operations on Mannuthy campus; and creation of a butterfly park under communication centre. Environment Day celebrations were held in all satellite stations of KAU across the State.