Shillong, Jun 05: Underprivileged and slum children participated in tree plantation as a mark of acknowledging they are equally responsible towards protection of the environment.

Children from Mawlong, Mawlynrei, Pongkung, Rangmen and Khyndai Lad enthusiastically took part in cleanliness drives, and planting of trees, among many other activities organized by the SPARK on the occasion of World Environment Day on Wednesday.

SPARK President and Founder, Shima Modak said that the children under SPARK have been observing the day not only just on 5th June every year, but SPARK has made a provision where each child will plant a tree every month as an important part of their curriculum.

Started as a pilot work, she said the initiative has worked very well with 450 children planting a tree each every month in these said areas with an overwhelming response. This has also instilled a sense of responsibility among the children towards the protection of Environment.

“This year, more than 300 saplings were planted by the children and community people who also took part in a range of activities looking at environmental issues from recycling issues to conservation and renewable energy,” Shima said.