Awareness is Key to Protecting Environment, Says Dr Priyankaa Varghese

The Telangana State Forest Academy (TGSFA) celebrated World Environment Day 2026 by organizing various awareness programmes for school students. The event focused on creating awareness about environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and climate change. Speaking on the occasion, TGSFA Director and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr Priyankaa Varghese said that awareness among the younger generation is the most important step towards protecting the environment. She urged students to develop a sense of responsibility towards nature and actively participate in conservation efforts. As part of the celebrations, environmental awareness videos, elocution competitions and a snake awareness show were conducted. Around 120 students from 14 government and private schools took part in the programme and gained valuable knowledge about forests, wildlife and ecological conservation.

Sr IFS officer Dr Priyankaa Varghese emphasized that climate change, increasing temperatures, pollution and the loss of biodiversity have become major challenges across the world. She said protecting natural resources is not the responsibility of governments alone and called upon citizens, especially students, to play an active role in safeguarding the environment. Faculty members of the Forest Academy also interacted with students and explained the importance of environmental education in building a greener and more sustainable future. The programme concluded with a pledge by students to protect nature through simple but meaningful actions such as planting trees, saving water, reducing waste and keeping their surroundings clean.