THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The forest department has on Thursday launched an ambitious Eco-Steward programme to promote minimal consumption of natural resources and boost green cover.
The project aims at transforming every Keralite into an environment-sensitive ‘eco-steward’. An eco-steward is expected to plant and maintain the number of trees propotional to the vehicle they own and the air travel they do. Apart from this, they are expected to reduce the quantity of waste generated and help boost recycling.
It encourages vertical greening, roof top farming and envisages creation of 700 herbal gardens across the state with the help of local communities. An eco steward is expected to plant and nurture a minimum of two trees for every four-wheeler they own and one tree for every two-wheeler owned.
“To compensate a tree that you cut down, you need to create two trees which are at least a quarter of the size of the lost tree,” said brand Ambassador Mammootty who maintains a 15 acre farm land at Kumarakom alone.
Chief Minister Oomen Chandy inaugurated the drive which will now be started at the school level. Apart from the eco clubs in school, an eco-cadet corp will be formed and green cards will be given to each child. Further, River keepers will be selected to ensure vegetation and cleanliness in areas surrounding the river.
As per Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, every citizen needs to understand that they are just the custodians of the environment, not the owners. “Whatever greenery has been left for us by our forefathers should be passed on to the next generation,” he said.
Environmentalist Sugatha Kumari paid tributes to the forest guards who are crucial in preventing the destruction of green cover around Western Ghats. Head of Forest Force, Brandson Corrie was also present.
