Mangaluru : This student of St. Agnes School, Bendoorwell and Annu Nayak from Belthangady were  felicitated on Wednesday for their contribution to greenery in the district.

This felicitation was part of the World Environment Day programme at Townhall Mangalore.

The sunny atmosphere at her schoolground inspired 12-year-old Hani H.R. to start a ‘green army’ of children who are inspiring residents of Jeppinamogaru to plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees on their vacant plots.

Ms. Hani, a native of Chikkamagaluru, said that she learnt about global warming owing to the axing of trees.

“It was then I decided to take up the task of planting trees in the neighbourhood.” As there was no space for planting saplings in the rented house they were staying, she decided to go to houses with vacant plots for planting tree saplings.

“Our green army started with five members. Now we have good number of children,” she said.

Ms. Hani and other members of the ‘green army’ have been pooling amount from their pocket money to get saplings from the Forest Department.

“We regularly go around to inspire people to plant saplings.”

Two days ago, the team planted saplings of Laksman Phala tree in a vacant plot in Jeppinamogaru, she said. The members are also regularly clearing plastic bags dumped by the roads in the area, she added.

Among others who were felicitated were the members of Naravai Gram Panchayat of Belthangady taluk, Bellare Gram Panchayat of Sullia taluk and Padupanambur Gram Panchayat of Mangaluru Taluk for best solid waste and municipal waste management. Derebail South (Ward No.24) and Mannagudde (Ward No. 28) were adjudged as best wards for green initiatives in the Mangaluru City Corporation area.

The primary health centres (PHCs) in Kudupu in Mangaluru Taluk and Aladangadi in Belthangady taluk received awards for best hospital practice at government PHCs. Ramakrishna Mutt and Rotary Club Moodbidri were awarded for contribution to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Awards were given for best waste recycling units, green initiatives in Medium and Small Scale industries and green initiatives by major industries.