Guest Author: Aby Thomas

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Last week I wrote about the ladies of the Mannakkudy EDC and the success and quality of their bag production.

Now I’d like to tell you a bit more about the Vanasree Auditorium ladies and their Forestry Department responsibilities. If you notice that the ladies’ clothing is different from their counterparts in the Mannakkudy section of the EDC, you are correct. Part of the Vasanta Sena (or Green Army), these women help with both forest patrols against poachers and illegal logging, and as guides for the Cloud Walk Trek as well.  And since they pick up plastics and other non-biodegradable waste along the way, they understand the need for a plastic free national park all the more.

While they had initially only received payment when their hike was booked by guests, the Forestry Department has now hired them as salaried workers.  And since their responsibilities only require 18 days per month they are now able to designate the rest of their “out of home” time to the paper bag initiative.

It’s a win-win initiative; the ladies receive additional income from their labors and the more newspaper bags in circulation around the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the fewer plastic bags they may have to pick up during their patrols and hikes. More examples of green power!

Photos Above: Indira Sudhakaran (on left) and Jiji Shaji.

About the author: I started work recently, responsible for managing human resources at Cardamom County. It has been my dream to become a manager in the hotel field since I was young, and I am beginning to fulfill that dream. I completed my Masters in Hospitality Management(MMH) from Marian College Kuttikkanam, a near by hill station.My family home is at a place called Vandiperiyar, 12 km away from where I work, and I can recommend anyone to visit this part of Kerala.