KOCHI: There has been a constant demand from environmentalists all over to initiate measures to conserve mangroves that are essential for controlling soil erosion and to reclaim land from sea. But precious little has been done to protect this ecosystem that has enormous environmental advantages.Which is why,14-year-old Sanoj K S’s initiative in this regard is so praise-worthy. This student of Cherukkunnu Higher secondary school has been setting a model for others by planting mangrove seeds in the banks of Muttil river since the past two years. He was deservingly then selected for the 14th P V Thampy award held in Kochi last week. He received his prize from Kallen Pokkuden, noted environmentalist whose name is synonymous with mangrove conservation in Kerala. Sanoj who is otherwise shy, speaks enthusiastically to us on the topic of mangrove conservation. He says it was his zoology teacher who spurred him on to take up the project. “I have been the member of ‘Harithasena,’ an environmental club in our school as part of the programmes of C-Dit. It was our zoology master, Prabhakaran who first gave us information about mangroves. He explained to us their importance and the threat they face due to deforestation. He asked us to plant as many mangrove seeds as we could in wetlands and swamps,” he says.The boy drew inspiration from the words of Prabhakaran master. “I was greatly moved since my father is a fisherman and I have been living near the Muttil river. So I have always felt a deep bond with nature. I gathered information about mangroves from my teacher who gave me the relevant books. I understood the vital role that mangroves play in maintaining ecological balance. Sir also explained that areas buffered by coastal forests like mangroves are less impacted by disasters like tsunami. It also protects us from storm. Besides it also has medicinal values." "I thought I should do as much as I can to protect the nature. I went to the nearby forest and collected mangrove seeds and started planting them in the river bed. It takes about four months for a seed to grow. I have planted and tended more than 1000 mangrove seeds that have sprouted into young saplings. ”Sanoj who aspires to be an environmental scientist when he grows up, says that his initiative to conserve nature has been widely appreciated by nature lovers and people in his village. His school authorities and friends inspired him to further grew more saplings. His friends infact used to affectionately call him ‘Kochu Pokkudan’ (little Pokkudan). He says that now his friends too have got inspired by his project.Last year he was presented with ‘Gems of Seed Award’ given by Mathrubhumi and Labour India for his work. Like other boys his age, Sanoj loves playing cricket and roaming around. But his commitment to nature remains. Sanoj says he is looking at planting more mangrove seeds in other places also. Certainly a great example for others to follow.[email protected]
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