Report of the Inauguration of the Jalapaadom (Lessons on water) Program

ATREE in its effort to address the threats being faced by wetlands has initiated a Community Environmental Resource Centre (CERC) at Alappuzha, Kerala to involve local communities and institutions for wetland management. Jalapaadom is a unique environmental education programmes designed by the CERC for the students in the age group of 10-20 belonging to the schools in the Vembanad region.

The programme aims to motivate students to appreciate the values of wetlands so that they become advocates for wetland conservation and its wise use. Youngsters will be involved in the Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities, to address wetland degradation issues and to help restore the Vembanad Socio Ecological System.

The inaugural function of this program was held on 4th October 2007, at the YMCA Hall Alappuzha.

Inaugurating the function Shri. K.C Venugopal, Member of Legislative Assembly expressed his concern over the issues of Vembanad and appreciated ATREE for its timely intervention.


Shri. K.C Venugopal, Member of Legislative Assembly

Municipal Chairman Shri. P.P. Chitharanjan reiterated the significance of Vembanad and assured all possible supports to fulfill the efforts initiated by ATREE. The official logo of “Jalapaadom” was released by him.

Shri. K.V Dayal, well known environmentalist motivated students to be committed to protect their environment and take sincere efforts to safeguard the lake from further destruction. He distributed the “Water Quality testing kit” to some schools and colleges.



Shri K.V. Dayal distributing the water quality testing kits to students

Mr. Jojo T.D, Jalapaadom Program Officer briefed the audience about the objectives and structure of Jalapaadom. Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE in his presidential address wished all the best for the program.



Dr. Ravi Chellam, Director of ATREE lighting the lamp

Dr. Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan, Principal investigator of Wetland Conservation Project, expressed ATREE’s views and commitments and requested all concerned people to join hands with this venture.


Dr Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan addressing the gathering

Teachers and students from schools and colleges included in Jalapaadom program were present to enrich the occasion. Many nature lovers, activists, officials and media were present to grace the occasion.



Dr Latha Bhasker, Programme Officer, Wetland Conservation Project delivers the vote of thanks

There was good media coverage in print-audio-visual-media about this programme. ATREE’s intervention to save Vemband through the young generation is given wide publicity by all media. M.M. News channel did cover the programme giving an interview of the programme officer. All India Radio covered the function giving a 20 minute exclusive broadcast. All Newspapers reported the function along with photographs.

A documentary on Kuttanad and a small cultural program by the students of St. Josephs College, Alappuzha added colour to the program.