Institutions to Be Honored for Excellence in Green Space Creation Under ‘Pachathuruthu’ Initiative

swift Summary

• Six years after launching the Haritha Keralam Mission’s ‘Pachathuruthu’ project for creating green islets and mini forests, Kerala government will announce awards for institutions contributing to the initiative.
• Screening involved 145 institutions,including local bodies,schools,and colleges.
• Awards function will take place at Tagore Theater in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday at 6 p.m., with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presenting the awards and Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh presiding.
• The project utilized unused land from government departments, school campuses, and sacred groves (Kaavus). Saplings were supplied free by the Forest department. Land preparation was supported by workers under schemes like MGNREGS.
• Local plant varieties native to different areas were prioritized; invasive species such as acacia and eucalyptus were avoided.Examples include mango trees, neem trees, tamarind trees, medicinal plants like Malabar Nut (Adalodakam), gooseberry plants, etc.
• Mangrove forests replaced pachathuruthu where suitable. Private lands also contributed voluntarily with their owners’ consent.
• Maintenance of green spaces is overseen by committees composed of local residents.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ‘Pachathuruthu’ initiative highlights Kerala’s innovative approach to environmental preservation through community collaboration and efficient use of available resources. Reviving lost ecological niches such as sacred groves demonstrates a enduring model that strengthens biodiversity conservation while fostering cultural heritage. The proactive involvement of local bodies-notably via governmental schemes like MGNREGS-shows how employment programs can serve dual purposes: providing livelihood opportunities while contributing to environmental sustainability.

By avoiding invasive species in favor of indigenous flora aligned with regional ecosystems’ needs-such as mangroves-the program sets a precedent for ecologically sensitive afforestation projects across India. Furthermore,empowering private citizens and forming maintenance committees ensures longstanding community engagement critical for success beyond project completion. Lessons learned here could inspire other states seeking complete strategies for urban ecological revitalization.

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