Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities Awareness Programme 2025 | A Powerful Initiative for Urban Environment

Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities Awareness Programme 2025 at Kamaraj College

The Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities Awareness Programme was held at Kamaraj College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi on 05.12.2025 from 11.30 am to 01.00 pm at the Swami Vivekananda Block. The event was jointly organized by NSS Units 54, 55, and 56 along with the UBA Cell of Kamaraj College as part of the college’s continuous efforts to promote environmental sustainability among students and the community.

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of the Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities Awareness Programme was to teach students about the importance of soil health in the development of smart and sustainable cities. Healthy soil plays a vital role in:

• Supporting food production
• Reducing pollution
• Maintaining biodiversity
• Improving water quality
• Combating climate change

Students gained an understanding that sustainable urban planning not only focuses on buildings and roads but also on protecting natural resources like soil.

Informative Lecture by Subject Expert

The resource person of the event was Dr. T. Ponrathy, Head of the Department of Botany, Kamaraj College. She delivered an engaging and informative talk that explained how soil forms the foundation of life on Earth.

Her lecture included:

• The structure and composition of soil
• Soil nutrient cycle and microorganisms
• Impact of urban development on soil quality
• Soil degradation causes such as pollution, plastic waste and chemicals
• Ways to protect soil through organic practices and afforestation

The students learned how healthy soil prevents flooding, supports trees, reduces urban heat, and ensures better living conditions for communities.

Student Participation and Learning

More than 50 students from different departments actively participated in the event. They clarified their doubts and discussed practical methods for improving soil health in their local environment.

Some key takeaway messages for the students included:

• Do not waste water because water helps soil stay fertile
• Use compost instead of chemical fertilizers
• Grow trees and plants to prevent soil erosion
• Segregate waste to reduce soil contamination

The students appreciated the real life examples shared by the speaker and understood how even small steps can help protect nature.

Programme Supported by Dedicated Team

The event was well coordinated by:

• UBA Coordinator: Dr. P. Pounraj
• NSS Programme Officer, Unit 54: Mr. P. Anand
• NSS Programme Officer, Unit 56: Mr. M. Ayyanuraj

Their dedicated efforts ensured smooth planning and execution of the awareness programme. The NSS volunteers also helped in organizing the students, maintaining discipline, and arranging the programme facilities.

Importance of Soil Awareness in Modern Cities

With rapid urbanisation, most people ignore the condition of soil beneath cities. The Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities Awareness Programme reminded students that soil is a hidden treasure. It plays a major role in:

• Clean air by supporting trees
• Safe drinking water by filtering pollutants
• Healthy food systems by nurturing crops
• Stable buildings by providing strong ground

When soil becomes polluted or weak, cities face major problems such as floods, food shortages, and temperature rise. Therefore protecting soil is equal to protecting people.

Future Commitments and Actions by Students

Inspired by the session, the participating students expressed interest in:

• Volunteering for campus tree plantation drives
• Creating awareness in schools and local communities
• Practicing waste segregation and composting
• Studying more about urban environmental conservation

This motivation will help build a more environment friendly mindset among youth.

A Step Towards a Greener Tomorrow

The Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities Awareness Programme successfully spread knowledge about soil conservation and highlighted the responsibility of every citizen in building smart and sustainable cities.

The programme achieved its goal of inspiring young learners to respect soil and contribute to protecting natural resources. It was another proud moment for Kamaraj College in nurturing responsible and eco conscious citizens.