PUNE: The forest department, in association with the Pune Municipal Corporation, has undertaken an initiative to organize educational programmes related to the environment in the city. Coordinated by the wildlife warden, Pune, the lineup includes educational as well as action-oriented activities on environmental issues - workshops, nature walks, slideshows, bird watching, film shows, excursions, anti-plastic drives along Mula-Mutha rivers, artificial bird nesting drive, among others.

The programme was inaugurated on the International Tiger Day on Sunday with the screening of three films on tiger at the Indradhanushya Environment Centre.

Citizens will also get the opportunity to give their suggestions related to environment, which will be communicated to concerned higher authority. Several schools will be roped in for this three month long programme.Rajendra Kadam, deputy conservator of forest, told TOI that the idea is to introduce citizens to various facets of nature.

"We are targeting school students, youths and other citizens to create awareness on environment. Experts from different fields will provide information on medicinal plants, migratory birds, wildlife, endemic species, native and exotic tree species, butterflies, and so on. Excursions to historical places, parks and sanctuaries, forest, important bird areas, among others, will be chalked out. All events are open and free to all," he said.

Anuj Khare, honorary wildlife warden, Pune, pointed out that at present there is no dialogue between the common man and the forest department.

"Thus, citizens will be given an opportunity to voice out their concerns and suggestions about environment related issues. Citizens can contact us at the website, honararywildlifewardenpune.com," Khare said.

He said that there will be action- oriented programmes too like plastic drives in Mula-Mutha river, artificial bird nesting drive, tree plantation drive, among others. The joint forest management committees of Parvati Pachgaon will help in gathering the school students from different wards. The students will be involved in various activities like excursions, bird watching, work-shops, nature walks, among others, he added.