Participation in Winterline Eco-Tour (April 2011)
A group of five members from the STSS Paonta, comprising of Principal of the school, Geography teacher and three senior students, participated in the 7th Winterline Eco-Tour organized by Mr. Santanu Sarkar-- a trustee of an NGO. It was an eleven-day programme starting from 17th April through 27th April, 2011. There were participants also from TCV Gopalpur, TCV Selakui and Vocational Training Centre.
The group visited Mussorie, and put up four-day tent camp at Cosy Nook. The participants witnessed environmental degradation caused by deforestation and mining activities in and around Mussorie. They also learnt about local birds, pug mark of animals belonging to the Cat family, and camera trapping methods etc. The participants learnt methods and technologies used in Woodstock school to promote sustainable environment through recycling of trash; domestic waste composting; poultry waste composting, and Vermi composting programme. The participants were then taken to Tarai Dam site to familarize with issue of displaced people and their resettlement; visited Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Corbett Tiger Reserve and Museum; Sonadi Wildlife Sanctuary; Day and night safari into the jungle to watch wild animals, and last but not the least, opportunity to interact will locals to learn about the community.
Along with the site visits and practical lessons, the participants spent sufficient time on group discussion, seeking clarification from resource persons, and presentation-activity. It was a very useful and informative eco-tour to learn about nature and sustainable living.