Kallara UP school wins first prize for ‘green islets’ in Kottayam

Kaduthuruthy: SKV Upper Primary School in Kallara panchayat has won the first prize in Kottayam district in the local self-government category, for the ‘pachathuruth’ (green islet) it set up under a statewide project of the Haritha Keralam Mission.

A panel of experts had examined the green islet created close to the school ground at Perumthuruthu before making the selection. ‘Pachathuruthus’ were established across Kerala under the aegis of the Haritha Keralam Mission with the aims of combating climate change and rejuvenating the environment.

The green islet in SKV School covers an area of around 40 cents. “The work to create the greenery was carried out under the employment guarantee scheme,” said Johny Thottungal, president of Kallara panchayat.

Mango, jackfruit, chikoo and gooseberry trees, several flowering shrubs and rare species of plants have been arranged in the school’s green islet. The greenery is maintained by the school students, teachers and parents, under the guidance of panchayat member Ancy Augustine and former panchayat member P K Soman.

Nine among the 167 green islets in Kottayam district were selected for the state-level competition, which began on Thursday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will distribute the prizes to the state-level winners on September 16.