Latest news with #M.Prathap
Hans India
30-07-2025
- Hans India
New eco-tourism bird-watching site coming up in TN's Pulicat
A new bird-watching destination is set to open by the end of the year at Thonirevu, near the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, offering weekend travellers and wildlife enthusiasts an ideal getaway just a short drive from Chennai. The site, located in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, is being developed as an eco-tourism hub combining sustainable design with the region's rich birdlife and scenic wetlands. The Tiruvallur district administration and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department are jointly developing the one-hectare site as part of a regulated eco-tourism initiative. A detailed master plan has been unveiled with a focus on balancing wildlife conservation with sustainable tourism. Amenities planned for the first phase include a boat jetty, visitors' parking, boat rides, seating facilities, food kiosks, restrooms, and an interpretation centre. A second phase will introduce accommodation facilities and curated tours linking other attractions around Pulicat. 'In the absence of a government-authorised tourism facility, unregulated activities in the past had posed a threat to bird habitats,' said a senior forest official. 'Since the area falls under the forest department, we can better regulate activities by providing organised rides and facilities,' he said. The official highlighted that Thonirevu lies along the Central Asian Flyway, making it a seasonal haven for migratory birds. 'Between November and February, the site hosts species like the greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, Eurasian spoonbill, river tern, bar-headed goose, painted stork, and spot-billed pelican. Even during other months, nature lovers can expect to see a variety of birdlife, albeit in smaller numbers,' the official added. The eco-tourism model will also focus on community participation. Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) from neighbouring villages will be actively involved, with locals trained as nature guides and boat operators. 'This will help create jobs, build skills, and ensure revenue-sharing that strengthens the socio-economic fabric of the region,' said Tiruvallur Collector M. Prathap. Tourism experts believe Thonirevu could soon become a key stop in the Tiruvallur tourism circuit. 'If a well-planned circuit is created, tourists can visit Pulicat, Gudiyam caves, Tiruttani temple, and Poondi as part of a single itinerary,' said a campsite operator and member of the district tourism development committee. 'But the visitor numbers must be regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem,' he added. With the launch of Thonirevu, Tamil Nadu hopes to add another eco-tourism jewel to its travel map while ensuring that conservation remains at the heart of the initiative, said an official.
The Hindu
19-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kollumedu Government High School transforms into a Green School
From being a school without a compound and cattle lying around on the grounds, the Government High School Kollumedu in Tiruvallur district now has gotten a complete facelift. It is the district's first green school and now has a green fence, walls with heat-absorbent paint, solar-reflective coated roof, and is a zero carbon-footprint institution. The school also has herbal, vegetable and ornamental gardens, vermi-compost shed, rainwater harvesting system, and LED lighting. The works were carried out with funds from the Environment Department and district administration and CSR funds from Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited. Sanitation First (India) was the implementation partner. District Collector M. Prathap said that three more schools in Tiruvallur had been identified to be upgraded as green schools and the administrative sanction for the same had been issued recently. Schools at Thirumazhisai, Thirukandalam and Kuthambakkam would be a part of this initiative. A total of ₹30 lakh would be allocated from government funds and the rest would be pooled from corporate social responsibility funds, he added. Tiruvallur district Green Fellow under the Department of Environment, Sruthi Saravanan, said, 'We had conducted several awareness programmes for the students and teachers as to how these systems can be maintained. We had ten topics and focused the students based on their age. We made teachers and students in charge of each concept. A gardener-cum-watchman has been appointed for the school.' Sanitation First (India) Chief Executive Padmapriya T.S. said that Green schools would definitely make better study environments for students and work environments for teachers. The aim of this project was also to inculcate the importance of environment protection and sustainable living. 'The children have been taught about the biodiversities of Tiruvallur district through wall paintings. This school is in the middle of an open space. The transformation is nothing short of remarkable. The government gave it a biofence, solar system, rainwater harvesting system, and the gardens too,' she said.
