by Jennifer
NERUL-MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 27, 2014: The Eco Club students of Don Bosco Senior Secondary School, Nerul went for a nature walk around Delhi Public School Lake on November 22, 2014. 
The seminar was conducted by Navi Mumbai Environmental Protection Society. Dr.Pania, a horticulturalist was their guide. Ms.Seema Adgaokar, Forest Range Officer who has already planted over 2 lakhs mangrove saplings explained about the various types of mangroves like red, green, grey and black mangroves.
As they started their trail, they spotted birds like little Egret, snake neck birds, Sand Pipers, Sea gulls, Cormorant and also a few painted storks. It was a visual treat for all the students. The trail was followed by a seminar on Conservation of Mangroves and Wet Land. 'As Navi Mumbai lies 1 meter below the sea-level, the stretch of mangroves in the coastal area plays an important role in preventing the sea water from entering the low lying areas, thus preventing floods.'
The session came to an end with a pledge to save the mangroves and the felicitation of all the schools that took part in the session. This informative session had enlightened them a lot about the important role played by the mangroves. Mangroves are edible and have medicinal properties to cure indigestion and jaundice.
The leaves are used as tan (dye) which is packed with anti-oxidants. The students decided to conserve the mangroves and get involved in various eco-friendly activities beginning with informing the forest officials about the illegal activities and thus contribute to the betterment of environment.