KOCHI: It was a training camp that provided new insight into the rigours of mountaineering and adventure as it cut a path in love for the environment. While the National Service Scheme volunteers of Sri. C. Achutha Menon Govt. College, Thrissur, undertook two days of adventure into the Mannamangalam forest recently, they were resolved that they would return with fresh lessons learnt and a lesson imparted.
Twenty-five volunteers participated in the camp and they were given training in four different fields — Bouldering, rappelling, tent pitching and body balancing. These activities are closely connected to life’s skill and very important in achieving success in life. On the second day of the programme, the volunteers undertook a trekking in the forest and they cleaned the forest as they trekked.
The volunteers collected more than 100 kg of plastic and handed it over to the forest authorities. There is a small waterfall in the forest and lots of people make a visit to the place. On their way to the waterfall, people litter the forest with empty water bottles, carry bags and food containers. The plastic waste in the forest region had become hazardous to the eco system.
Animals voraciously consume the leftovers of food along with the plastic which gradually paves way for their death. The effort by the volunteers was appreciated by the officers of the Mannamangalam forest division. “The adventure camp served the twin purpose of improving self confidence and social commitment. It helps to come out with the best of an individual and become a part of the great chain of being,” says Dr. Sijo Varghese C., programme officer of the college. The volunteers were trained by professionals including Mr. Preetham Menon and Mr. Bony Mariyan of Fort Knox Training Solutions, Thrissur.
