Date:02/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/02/stories/2008060250880200.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Painting the colours of nature

Staff Correspondent

— PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

Focused: A participant at a competition held as part of World Environment Day in Mysore on Sunday.

MYSORE: Several groups of children were seen thronging the Karanji Lake Nature Park on Sunday. The enthusiastic children, aged between four and 16, crayons in hand, had come to participate in the annual painting competition held as part of “World Environment Day”.

Organised jointly by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), the Mysore Zoo and AirTel, the competition saw over 100 children participate in it.

The theme of the competition was “Nature”. . The paintings portrayed the children’s thoughts regarding the trees, wildlife, rivers and so on.

A student from St Joseph’s High School had portrayed the dangers posed by factories to nature, especially rivers. Another student had highlighted the importance of trees for the survival of human beings. A 9th standard student from Demonstration School had painted a place with mountains, rivers and trees on a full moon night.

The paintings by the children aged between four and five was the highlight of the competition. They had painted butterflies, rivers and mountains with splashy colours. KSPCB Regional Officer Prakash told The Hindu that the competition was organised to create awareness among the children on the need to protect the environment. The organisers presented certificates of participation to the children. The first three prizes in each category will be announced and distributed during World Environment Day celebrations at Mysore Zoo on June 5.