The International Day of Forests celebrated on Thursday was marked by planting of saplings in Tiruchi and neighbouring Perambalur districts. Awareness on the need to conserve forests were driven home to students here on the occasion.
The Forest Department here celebrated the day by planting saplings inside the Tropical Butterfly Conservatory at Srirangam. Students of Government School at Melur village near Srirangam were taken on a visit to the conservatory in connection with the celebration.
Drawing, quiz and essay competitions were conducted for the students on topics related to forest and environment at the butterfly conservatory. Chief Conservator of Forests, Tiruchi T.V. Manjunatha while addressing the students emphasised the need to conserve forests and the importance of planting saplings to improve green cover.
He distributed prizes to students who emerged winners in various competitions. The District Forest Officer, Tiruchi, D. Sujatha and senior officials of the department participated. In neighbouring Perambalur, Collector V. Santha planted saplings at the Collectorate campus on the occasion.