Awareness drives mark Bharat Environment Programme

Kochi: Several educational institutions across Ernakulam are observing Bharat Environment Programme - Earth Week 2026 with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices.Weeklong activities, which began on Wednesday, will continue until April 29.At Sacred Heart College, Thevara, students and faculty participated in Earth Day pledges and awareness programmes, including poster presentations to promote environmental consciousness. As part of the initiatives, students conducted an energy audit to assess electricity usage and efficiency across campus. They also documented around 45 bird species within the campus."The college has been cultivating approximately two acres of paddy at Arayankavu, with active student involvement from land preparation to fertilisation and crop care. Pre-harvest ceremony is scheduled next Wednesday as the concluding event of Earth Week," a faculty member said.At Sree Narayana Gurukulam College of Engineering (SNGCE), Earth Week is being observed under Bharat Environment Programme 2026. Organised by climate cell of the college in association with partner organisations, the programme includes awareness sessions, a sustainability pledge, a zero-plastic drive and waste management initiatives. Celebrations will conclude with a green campus action programme on April 29.Meanwhile, at SCMS Cochin School of Business, a human chain marked the start of the celebrations."SCMS envisions Bharat Week as an opportunity to nurture responsible citizens who are proud of their roots, sensitive to social needs and ready to make meaningful contributions to nation-building," said executive chairman Pramod P Thevannoor.