Addressing students at the Dr. N.G.P College of Education, he explained the need for educational institutions to involve themselves in conservation activities.

He also spoke about the significance of the forest cover, the tribal habitations and the methods of conservation of wild animals.

R. Elangovan, Assistant Executive Engineer, P.W.D, Coimbatore, said that there was an imbalance in the ecosystem because of encroachment, deforestation, extensive urbanisation, sand mining and improper water management.

Many elephants died last year, owing to diseases caused by contamination of water and other natural resources, he added. This was a result of increased man-animal conflicts.

Discharging effluents into water bodies and unscientific cultivation of cash crops also contributed to the contamination of the ecosystem.

Students should be made aware of the concepts of solid waste management, green buildings and natural fertilizers. They should implement an action plan on their own campuses, he observed.

Mr. Elangovan also advised students to visit the Sulur Lake, which had been maintained unpolluted for over ten years.

In addition to celebrating days of environmental importance, colleges could conduct awareness programmes and camps on rainwater harvesting.

Principal Jayalakshmi Karuppannasamy said environmental education was vital for future teachers.