Cusat to increase its green cover

Varsity sets aside an acre for planting trees

The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has introduced a slew of green measures including setting aside an acre for planting trees. A butterfly park, close to the large water reservoir on the main campus of the university, is ready to receive its colourful guests, said a senior official of the university on Sunday. Besides, the university has also provided permission to grow vegetables on five acres behind the Radar Centre.

The idea of setting aside a substantial plot of land for planting trees on one’s special days was first mooted by Babu Thattarkunnel, an employee of the university, who is a former member of the Maradi panchayat, near Muvattupuzha. He said the idea is to persuade employees of the university to plant a tree on a special occasion, which could include one’s birthday, retirement, wedding anniversary, the date one joins the university service, etc.

Mr. Thattarkunnel had carried out widespread greening activities in Maradi panchayat when he was a member and won the State award for environment protection activities.