AYUDH Tamil Nadu and Puducherry marked World Environment Day by organising a student-led drive to plant bee-friendly species across 17 Amrita Vidyalayam school campuses in the two regions.
Aligned with the global “Now for Climate” message, the initiative aimed to strengthen awareness on pollinators, biodiversity and climate action. Organisers said the effort also seeks to create learning spaces where students can engage with themes of ecological sustainability.
As part of the programme, students planted native, pollinator-supporting varieties within school premises. The campaign was also featured on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Environment Day events and activities page.
Officials and experts who took part in events at different schools included Nagapattinam District Collector K.J. Praveen Kumar, Erode Assistant Director of Horticulture Dr P. Meghala, Dr Reshmi N. Nair (Assistant Medical Officer, Government Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Nagercoil) and Kanyakumari Assistant Director of Horticulture Dr V. Arumugam.
Saplings planted included fruit-bearing species such as neem, banana, pungam, tamarind, drumstick, native jujube, mango and jamun, along with flowering trees like konrai, magizham, iluppai, ilavam, kadambu, poovarasu and ezhilaippaalai. Year-round flowering plants such as kanagambaram, erukkan, acerola and yellow oleander were also planted, which organisers said can support bees, native stingless bees, butterflies and birds while contributing to soil health.
