Valapattanam: A school compound that once looked like a forest has been transformed into a thriving farmland through a community-led initiative. The green project, titled 'Snehavanam – Pachathuruthu,' was launched at Valapattanam Higher Secondary School in Kannur with the support of the panchayat, Haritha Karma Sena, and the school's NSS unit.

As part of the effort, an unused plot behind the school was cleared of dense overgrowth, and several fruit trees were planted, turning the area into a productive and eco-friendly space.

The fruit varieties planted included saplings of pomegranate, 'chamba', native mango, guava, 'njaval' and seetaphal.

Panchayat president P P Shamima inaugurated the programme, while vice-president V K C Jamsheera presided over.