Environment Conservation Group: Difference between revisions

'''Environment Conservation Group (ECG)''' is a [[non-governmental organisation]] based in [[Coimbatore]], [[India]]. The group is active since 2009 and works towards conservation of the environment and wildlife.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-promise-to-keep/article2084627.ece|title=A promise to keep|first=Nithya|last=Sivashankar|date=7 June 2011|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/water-bowls-placed-to-quench-thirst-of-birds/article7314102.ece|title=Water bowls placed to quench thirst of birds|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref> ECG was formed by a group of wildlife and environmental enthusiasts headed by environmental activist Mr.[[Mohammed Saleem]], Mr. Stephen Joseph is the Co-founder and Vice-President.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/prey-base-vital-to-sustain-tiger-population-say-wildlife-experts/article6828957.ece|title=Prey base vital to sustain tiger population, say wildlife experts|first=R.|last=Sairam|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref>

The group is involved in monitoring the [[wetland]]s of Coimbatore against dumping of debris and encroachments.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Mixing-of-Sewage-in-Big-Tank-a-Threat-to-Fish-Population/2015/03/27/article2732420.ece|title='Mixing of Sewage in Big Tank a Threat to Fish Population'|work=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/environment-organisations-oppose-tangedco-work/article3568121.ece|title=Environment organisations oppose TANGEDCO work|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/11-roseringed-parakeets-rescued/article6832379.ece|title=11 Rose-ringed parakeets rescued|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/forest-department-ngo-rescue-parakeets/article6765853.ece|title=Forest Department, NGO rescue parakeets|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref> ECG is also involved in [[wildlife conservation]] and rescuing birds from the [[wildlife trade]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/snares-to-trap-wild-animals-found-in-forest-area/article4427588.ece|title=Snares to trap wild animals found in forest area|author=Special Correspondent|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/57-parakeets-rescued/article7344107.ece|title=57 parakeets rescued|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/On-the-road-to-spread-word-curb-road-kills/articleshow/51534438.cms|title=On the road to spread word, curb road kills|date=23 March 2016|work=The Times of India|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/monitor-lizard-birds-rescued/article6259449.ece|title=Monitor lizard, birds rescued|author=Staff Reporter|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/munias-parakeets-rescued/article3736030.ece|title=Munias, parakeets rescued|author=V. S. Palaniappan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/help-pours-in-for-flood-victims/article7947001.ece|title=Help pours in for flood victims|author=Coimbatore Bureau|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref> ECG is involved in stopping the [[deforestation|felling of trees]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/attempt-to-cut-tree-triggers-protest/article4173017.ece|title=Attempt to cut tree triggers protest|author=Special Correspondent|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/green-enthusiasts-obtain-stay-against-tree-cutting-on-marudhamalai-road/article3358868.ece|title=Green enthusiasts obtain stay against tree cutting on Marudhamalai Road|author=V.S. Palaniappan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref> and conducting awareness programmes.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/Awareness-programmes-sapling-distribution-on-World-Environment-Day/article14386857.ece</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/an-ambassador-of-tigers/article6130112.ece|title=An ambassador of tigers|first=K.|last=Jeshi|date=19 June 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/stripe-search/article5079008.ece|title=Stripe search|first=Pankaja|last=Srinivasan|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=8 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/stop-the-animals-are-crossing/article8029760.ece|title=Stop! The animals are crossing|author=K. Jeshi|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=7 April 2016}}</ref>

This second annual exhibition was held on December 27–30, 2012 at Hindusthan College of Arts and science, [[Coimbatore]]. It has received very good response from wildlife photographers across the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/photo-exhibition-on-wildlife-opens-in-coimbatore/articleshow/17787407.cms|title=Treasures of India: Photo exhibition on wildlife opens in Coimbatore &#124; Coimbatore News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/portraits-of-nature/article4245271.ece|title=Portraits of Nature|first=K.|last=Jeshi|date=27 December 2012|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> Photograpy sessions were conducted by Mr. Perumal and Mr. Balan Madhavan. Mr. [[Bittu Sahgal]] was one of the chief guests. The Judge of the event was [[T.N.A. Perumal]] and [[Balan Madhavan]]. The event was sponsored by Savithri Photo House and GLO colour lab.

Click your Pic 2014 was held at [[Brookefields Mall]] from November 14–19, 2014. The mega photo exhibition drew lot of visitors from across the region, also on display were photographs by India's eminent wildlife photographers including TNA Perumal, [[Rathika Ramasamy]], [[Kalyan Varma]], [[Balan Madhavan]] and [[Sudhir Shivaram]] . The Judge of the event was Mr. [[T.N.A. Perumal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/thousands-visit-wildlife-photo-expo/article6611148.ece|title=Thousands visit wildlife photo expo|author=Staff Reporter|date=18 November 2014|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> The event was sponsored by [[Panasonic]]

A group of five wildlife conservationist from ECG led by its president R. Mohammed Saleem traveled about 20,000 Kilometers across 22states of India to study [[roadkill]] and spread awareness on the impact of roads on [[wildlife]], in February 2016. The team traveled through major wildlife sanctuaries and visited major institutions like [[IIT Guwahati]], [[University of Jammu]], [[American College, Madurai]] and [[University of Calicut]] to spread awareness among students.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/a-team-from-coimbatore-returns-after-a-panindia-road-trip-to-document-road-kills/article8413605.ece|title=When animals cross the road…|first=K.|last=Jeshi|date=30 March 2016|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/awareness-drive-to-prevent-roadkill-on-forest-routes/article8212811.ece|title=Awareness drive to prevent roadkill on forest routes|date=9 February 2016|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraphindia.com/1160525/jsp/opinion/story_87372.jsp]{{dead link|date=April 2021}}</ref><ref>[http://www.sanctuaryasia.com/magazines/conservation/10297]{{dead link|date=April 2021}}</ref> The expedition was sponsored by  [[Hewlett Packard]] , [[Sanctuary Asia]]

A second international expedition named Save Endangered, Endemic and Key Species (SEEK) was headed by R. Mohammed Saleem, President and Managing Trustee of the organisation. The team members Sisir, Srini, Abishek and Anirudha travelled by [[Mahindra Scorpio]], they visited various wildlife sanctuaries across India. They spread awareness in [[Dhaka]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Tribhuvan University]] and Golden Gate International College[[Kathmandu]] [[Nepal]], IIT Guwahati and many other educational Institutions. The four members traveled for 60 days across India and the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.<ref>[https://www.northeasttoday.in/role-of-technology-in-conservation-highlighted/]{{dead link|date=April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/road-trip-to-create-awareness-on-endangered-species/article19197085.ece|title=Road trip to create awareness on endangered species|author=Staff Reporter|date=2 July 2017|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>[http://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/seek-team-gets-insight-on-amul-falcon-conservation/]{{dead link|date=April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/on-a-mission-to-spread-awareness-about-endangered-species/articleshow/59411161.cms|title=On a mission to spread awareness about endangered species &#124; Coimbatore News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dhakacourier.com.bd/inspiring-young-tigers-sharing-conservation-experiences-of-bangladesh-and-india/]{{dead link|date=April 2021}}</ref> The expedition was sponsored by WWF, [[Mahindra Scorpio]], Wulf Pro, [[MapmyIndia]] and CRI Pumps.

The third expedition '''SEEK2019''' was organised to document the threatened birds of India as well as to spread awareness on the importance of birds. The four member SEEK2019 team consisted of Dr. P.A. Azeez, former director - Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Dr. Ravi Rishi - a physician, Mr. Makathan, headed by Mr. R. Mohammed Saleem. The team travelled across India for 79 days in search of elusive and rare birds. The team were successful in spotting the [[whinchat]] for the first time in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/expedition-team-sights-rare-winged-visitor/article26763930.ece|title=Expedition team sights rare winged visitor|author=Staff Reporter|date=7 April 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/birding-team-from-coimbatore-spots-rare-species/articleshow/68832518.cms|title=Birding team from Coimbatore spots rare species &#124; Coimbatore News - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

ECG spearheaded the '''Save Coimbatore Race course''' movement. It grew into a mass movement in a very short time.  ECG along with other associations, stakeholders and general public's support were able to stop the indiscriminate cutting of trees on race course in the name of Smart City development, thanks to their efforts the green spaces were successfully reclaimed at Coimbatore Racecourse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://simplicity.in/coimbatore/english/news/81917/Coimbatore-Corporation-Commissioner-agrees-to-demands-of-Race-Course-residents-steel-structures-in-Race-Course-removed|title=Coimbatore Corporation Commissioner agrees to demands of Race Course residents; steel structures in Race Course removed|first=SimpliCity News|last=Team|date=24 April 2021|website=simplicity.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2021/04/19020936/1288486/epetition-against-renovating-Race-Course-in-Kovai-.vpf|title=e-petition against renovating Race Course in Kovai gets more support|date=19 April 2021|website=dtNext.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/online-petition-against-model-road-project-on-race-course-road/article34339289.ece|title=Online petition against model road project on Race Course Road|author=Staff Reporter|date=16 April 2021|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref> [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/coimbatore-residents-extend-support-to-save-race-course-online-petition/articleshow/82102819.cms Save Race course movement] <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://simplicity.in/coimbatore/english/news/81612/Many-trees-axed-and-roads-narrowed-in-Race-Course-due-to-smart-city-project-government-prioritizes-development-over-environment-and-heritage-allege-residents-and-environmentalists|title=Many trees axed and roads narrowed in Race Course due to smart city project; government prioritizes development over environment and heritage allege residents and environmentalists|first=SimpliCity News|last=Team|date=19 April 2021|website=simplicity.in}}</ref><ref>https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2021/04/19020936/1288486/epetition-against-renovating-Race-Course-in-Kovai-.vpf</ref>