Date:04/06/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/06/04/stories/2009060456450200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Environmental campaign extended to village

Staff Reporter

TIRUCHI: Exnora International has expanded the reach of its environmental campaign and activities by starting its first branch at a village in Ariyalur district, with the support of Tiruchi District Exnora.

The Founder of Exnora International, Chennai, M. B. Nirmal inaugurated the branch at Valanthai Village in Andimadam taluk, and also a Students and Youth Exnora Wing, at a recent function in the presence of Ezhil Shankar, Coordinator of Ariyalur District, Exnora and Secretary, Vilanthai Village Exnora; V. Ganapathy, Advisor, G. Subramanian, President, and C.Balasubramanian, Secretary. Also present were Ramesh, Director of Trichy District Exnora, and P. Mohan, State President of Students and Youth wing.

The opening of the branch was preceded by health and hygiene promotion activities undertaken for many months by the youth with guidance from Tiruchi Exnora. According to R. Santhanam, Joint Secretary, Tiruchi District Exnora, mass cleaning of the village was undertaken once in three months. The simultaneous planting of saplings now adds greenery to the village, he said.

In his key note address, Mr. Nirmal explained the dangers caused by global warming and the role of every village and town in ‘Cooling the Globe’ campaign. Planting saplings on the occasion, he appreciated the nurseries in the nearby Siluvaicherry village, which, he said, were producing saplings in thousands befitting the greencampaign.

An Exnora garbage collection push cart was introduced With the contributions made by the village public a hearse vehicle was procured for their use. A freezer box and an ambulance of Tiruchi District Exnora were entrusted to the village Exnora for use in the village. Note books, bags, prizes and scholarships were distributed to meritorious students of valanthai from the village community development fund.

Speakers made elaborate presentations on the benefits accruing from hygienic surrounding, systematic management of solid and liquid wastes, and greening initiatives before a large gathering comprising a majority of students and youths.