Green fruits

it was a first-of-its-kind exercise. On world environment day this year, Tamil Nadu (tn) and Kerala gave away 'green awards' to district collectors and industries, respectively, acknowledging the commendable work done by them in environment-related spheres. Tamil Nadu chief minister (cm) J Jayalalitha feted district collectors Supriya Sahu of the Nilgiris, J Radhakrishnan of Salem and K Gopal of Virudhunagar.

"This is the first time that any state has instituted such awards for officials. Now it will be done annually," said Sheela Rani Chunkath, chairperson of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (tnpcb). In fact, it was tnpcb that had put forth the eco-award proposal to the state government. The three officials were pleased that their work had received recognition. "Environment has now come to the centrestage and become an administrative issue," said a beaming Radhakrishnan, one of the chosen collectors.

A committee, with the tn environment and forests secretary as its chairperson, was constituted to select the green collectors. The track record of the officials in reducing industrial pollution, promoting rainwater harvesting, eliminating disposable plastics, tackling sewage disposal and managing hazardous waste, and creating awareness about environmental issues was taken into account. Based on these parameters, the collectors were given the award that included a citation and a memento.

Taking its cue from tn, the Kerala Pollution Control Board (kpcb) declared awards for ecofriendly industries. Under the large-scale sector, Palakkad-based sepr Refractories India Limited bagged the first place. In the medium-scale section, Rubco Huat Woods of Thalassery and A K Flavours and Aromatics of Pathanamthitta received the award. Ernakulam-based Herbal Isolates and Kannur-based Falcon Rock Products were selected in the small-scale industry category.