Government High School Kollumedu in Tiruvallur district has undergone a stunning transformation, establishing itself as the area’s first green school. Once lacking an adequate compound and plagued by cattle roaming its grounds, the school is now a beacon of sustainability. The new infrastructure features a green fence, heat-absorbent wall paint, a solar-reflective roof, and is proud to operate with a zero carbon footprint.
This environmental overhaul includes vibrant herbal, vegetable, and ornamental gardens, alongside a vermicomposting shed, a rainwater harvesting system, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Financial support for these enhancements came from the Environment Department, the district administration, and CSR contributions from Aptus Value Housing Finance India Limited, with Sanitation First (India) serving as the implementation partner.
District Collector M. Prathap announced that three additional schools in Tiruvallur have been earmarked for similar upgrades to green school status, with administrative approvals already secured. The schools in Thirumazhisai, Thirukandalam, and Kuthambakkam will soon join this initiative, with a budget of ₹30 lakh allocated from government funds and additional support sourced from corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Sruthi Saravanan, the Tiruvallur district Green Fellow under the Department of Environment, highlighted the importance of educating both students and teachers on maintaining these sustainable systems. “We conducted several awareness programs tailored to different age groups, assigning roles to teachers and students for each topic,” she explained. A dedicated gardener-cum-watchman has also been appointed to oversee the school’s green facilities.
Padmapriya T.S., Chief Executive of Sanitation First (India), emphasized that green schools create better learning environments for students and workspaces for teachers. She noted that the initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and environmental stewardship. The initiative also includes educational wall paintings to teach students about the biodiversity unique to the Tiruvallur district.
“This school is situated in an expansive open area; its transformation truly is remarkable. With the government’s provision of a biofence, solar power system, rainwater harvesting, and lush gardens, it stands as a model for sustainable education,” she remarked.
The Government High School Kollumedu not only represents a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure in education but also serves as a potential template for future green initiatives across the region. The ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainable living practices ensures that this project will have lasting impacts on the community and the students it serves.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kollumedu-government-high-school-transforms-into-a-green-school/article69710531.ece
Category : Chennai
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-06-20 01:21:00
