The department of Environment Science and management organised a visit to the ecologically sensitive Ponnakudam Kavu. On 27th of September 2024, 25 students and 4 faculties paid a visit. The kavu which bagged the award for the best maintained sacred grove in Kerala by the Kerala Biodiversity Board is a home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare, endangered and endemic species.

The live talk session organised by Ramachandran Sir, Former district coordinator Kerala Biodiversity Board, Environmentalist and Social worker provided deep knowledge about the harmonious relationship between man and nature. And inculcated values on how the natural biodiversity can be protected in balance with development. The department’s association contributed a sum of Rs. 2000 for the welfare and maintenance of the sacred grove and its activities.

The students were able to get a real-world experience on the nature conservation as well as were able to acquire the traditional knowledge passed on from generations. As the sacred grove is a valuable site for several important crops and medicinal plants, practical knowledge regarding the gene pool was also gained by the students. The ‘Nakshathravanam’ maintained by the authority helped the students familiarise with various medicinal plants which are important in the traditional medical practices of Kerala.