E.F.Iயின் TutiGreen Pavilion தூத்துக்குடியின் வனவிலங்குகள் மற்றும் நிலப்பரப்பு பற்றிய தகவல்களை பொதுமக்களுக்கு கொண்டு சேர்த்தது. ஆயிரக்கணக்கான மாணவர்கள் தாமிரபரணி ஆறு மற்றும் கடம்பாக் குளத்தின் கதையை காணொலி மூலம் பார்வையிட்டு அறிந்து கொண்டனர்.
விதை பந்து செய்தல், மரம் நடுதல் மற்றும் துப்புரவு பணிகளின் மூலம் தூத்துக்குடியின் சுற்றுச்சூழலுக்காக பொதுமக்கள் ஒன்றிணைந்தனர்.
தூத்துக்குடி வாங்க, Let’s Volunteer
These words resonated throughout our 10-day long pavilion at the Thoothukudi Book Fair held from October 3 to 13, reminding us about the need for collective action.
TutiGreen is what we call it. A term that embodies our aspiration for a Blue-Green Thoothukudi.
Our TutiGreen Pavilion was not just a display; it was an interactive experience designed to sensitise visitors about the unique landscape and rich wildlife of Thoothukudi.
The pavilion welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors over the ten-day event, and this number represented more than just statistics. The visitors actively participated in various activities, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact for Thoothukudi’s environment.
Discovering Thoothukudi’s Water Bodies
The pavilion featured a wealth of unique information about Thoothukudi’s environment, highlighting its rivers—Thamirabarani, Vaipparu, Upparu and Karamaniyar—as well as lesser-known water bodies located to the north and south of Thamirabarani River. Through engaging displays and booklets, we aimed to raise awareness about these vital ecosystems.
Students visited in large numbers and were immersed in the richness of Thoothukudi’s water stories, especially with that of Thamirabarani River and the 1500-acre Kadamba Kulam.
Thoothukudi’s Abundant Flora and Fauna
The pavilion showcased Thoothukudi’s diverse wildlife, featuring imagery of species like the Black Drongo, Laughing Dove, Red Naped Ibis, Pangolin and Madras Hedgehog. Palm trees and seeds were displayed to emphasize their vital role in the ecosystem.
Visitors enthusiastically participated in pottery-making activities and learned about native seed varieties, particularly palm, and their uses in handicrafts like bags and other products. Seedball-making activities using neem, banyan, and bamboo engaged participants in hands-on learning about reforestation and biodiversity.
Exploring Tamil Nadu’s Red Sand Desert
One of the most exciting installations was a replica of Therikadu, Tamil Nadu’s only red sand desert. This special terrain is a sanctuary for remarkable wildlife, including the Fan-throated Lizard, Spotted Owl, Green Bee Eater, White Breasted Water Hen and various butterflies like the Blue Tiger and Plain Tiger.
Community Action: Cleanup and Plantation
The TutiGreen Pavilion went beyond raising awareness and encouraged visitors to take action. To deepen the connection with nature, Cyclakes was organized, where students traveled to the nearby Sankaraperi Pond, restored by E.F.I, to disperse the seed balls they had made.
The plantation activity at Sankaraperi Pond brought together 110 enthusiastic volunteers, who united to collect 50 kgs of garbage and plant 120 saplings of neem, pungai and mahogany, breathing new life into the restored pond.
The beach cleanup initiative at Muthunagar engaged 70 committed volunteers who collected a total of 350 kilograms of garbage using 90 sac bags.
Similarly, the Tharuvaikulam plantation involved 120 enthusiastic volunteers who planted 150 palm seeds and 75 saplings of pungai, neem and mahagony, reinforcing the message that every small effort counts in the fight against environmental degradation.
A Holistic Approach to Nature Conservation
The TutiGreen Pavilion offered an enriching blend of education and hands-on activities, creating a space where learning evolved into action. It served as a reminder that fostering a deeper connection to our environment is essential for its conservation.
As we reflect on this incredible event, we invite you to stay tuned for future initiatives from E.F.I. in your neighborhood. Together, we can continue to build a Blue-Green Thoothukudi and inspire others to join the movement for a sustainable future. Let’s keep the momentum going—இந்தியா வாங்க, Let’s Volunteer.
Volunteer for India and her Environment with E.F.I