The annual event of the National Green Corps (NGC) Gujarat was celebrated and Prakriti Yatra was organised from 4-6 February. The 6,500 eco clubs were divided into 5 zones namely Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mehsana, Surat and Rajkot. Prakriti Yatra started from each zone with 55-60 participants consisting of students and teachers, NGC district coordinators and Master Trainers with a small experience sharing workshop on different aspects of emerging environmental concerns.
The participants proceeded to join the eco-fair at Junagadh. Each bus had a night halt at the respective nature spots of their state like Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary, Velavadar Black Buck National Park, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Tulsishyam etc. During halts participants were engaged in activities like bird watching, nature trails, boating, film shows, etc. They were provided with an opportunity to closely observe the flora and fauna of different areas in the State.
The participants took part in workshops conducted in schools around the Gir Sanctuary. The workshops mainly focused on awareness education on the Asiatic lion and role of eco clubs in their conservation. They also visited various parts of the Gir Sanctuary. For many of them it was a unique experience to spot lions for the first times in their lives! After visiting Shakarbaug zoo, they reached Junagadh and enjoyed cultural programmes involving traditional folk artists on the theme of environment.
The participants took part in the eco fair at Junagadh. The schools stalls showcased their projects and activities, organizations like Science City, Jivantirth, Forest Dept., WASMO etc also participated and wildlife photographers held exhibitions. The participants shared their experiences of the Prakriti Yatra. The prizes were distributed for the state level environmental quiz (Prakriti Prashna Manch Spardha 2008-09). Some of the activities conducted by CEE around the Prakriti: EE Bus were snakes and ladders, face painting, wishing tree, voting for the “Kaun Banega Bharat ka Paryavaran Ambassador”, etc. Local schools of Junagadh also visited and participated in various eco-fair activities. |
Centre for Environment Education (CEE) through the South Asia Youth Environment Network (SAYEN) Secretariat have launched a campaign “Say NO to Plastic Carry Bags” along with the other youth groups in the city. The campaign kicked off on April 22, 2009 and will continue till June 5, 2009. As a part of the campaign, amdavadi youth have been oriented on the basics of waste management including a visit to the AMC land fill site at Pirana.
