By Chandrasekar Das, Additional Programme Coordinator, Biodiversity Conservation
Header Photo: R. Ramajeyam
Coexistence Work:
This year, we are working with eleven new coexistence villages in Kotagiri Taluk to mitigate wildlife conflicts. We chose these villages based on a notable increase in wildlife interactions over the past five years, with some reasons being poor visibility at night and a lack of streetlights. We identified key issues during community consultation meetings with residents of the eleven coexistence villages in Kotagiri Taluk, and came up with approaches aimed at mitigating wildlife conflicts and enhancing safety for both humans and wildlife.
Subsequently, on September 11, we successfully installed 20 solar-powered double-sided streetlights in these villages. This initiative aims to improve visibility at night and reduce the likelihood of wildlife encounters. During the recent community consultation meeting, we also identified an open well close to Murugan Colony. The community and Keystone decided to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries, as open wells present significant hazards to both villagers and wildlife. With this in mind, we covered the well with a sturdy iron mesh on Spetember 2nd. The mesh will protect both humans and animals, contributing to a safer environment for everyone in the vicinity. These implementations were funded by DCB Bank.
Continuing Education Scholarships Awarded to Sanitary Workers’ Children
On September 18th, we proudly awarded scholarships to the children of sanitary workers, supporting their pursuit of higher education. This initiative, funded by Synchronoss Technology, recognizes the hard work and dedication of the sanitary workforce by investing in their children’s futures. This effort is also part of our commitment for coexistence within the community.
A total of nine students were selected as scholarship recipients, with each student receiving ₹25,000 INR. This financial support will help these students continue their studies and pursue their educational aspirations.
