World Environment Day observed with rallies, plantation in Chatra; principal honoured for QR tree project

Chatra: A series of programmes including a prabhat pheri (morning procession), plantation drive, oath-taking ceremony and felicitation programme were organised in Chatra on Friday to mark World Environment Day, with special recognition given to the principal of Upgraded Middle School, Puraini (Mayurhand block), Vikas Kumar Singh, for promoting environmental education through technology.Organised under the aegis of the forest, environment and climate change department, an awareness rally was taken out from Jataraibagh Chowk to Eco Park, Chatra, with students, officials and employees participating.At Eco Park, participants planted saplings and took a pledge to protect the environment, conserve natural resources and promote biodiversity.During the felicitation ceremony, principal Singh, was honoured for developing a barcode-based QR code system for trees on the school campus. By scanning barcodes placed on trees, students and visitors can access information on species, age, uses, medicinal properties and environmental importance. Deputy commissioner Ravi Anand termed it “an inspiring example of technology-based environmental education”.Singh, who couldn’t attend the event, received the award from DFO Mukesh Kumar later. He said he was happy to get recognition for his work.Chatra SP Animesh Naithani, north forest division officer Rahul Meena, additional collector Arvind Kumar and SDPO Sunny Vardhan, were among those present.