"Vasanthasena" wins wildlife award

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 21 (UNI) The ''Vasanthasena'' in Thekkadi has been selected for the ''Amritadevi B Shenoy'' Wildlife Protection Award 2005 of the Union Government.

Carrying a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a citation, the award was a recognition for its outstanding service in giving protection to the wild animals in the Periyyar Tiger Reserve, a release here today said.

Eight members from the ''Vasanthasena,'' formed by about 100 women from eight Eco-development Committees in the Periyyar Tiger Protection Centre, were continuously patrolling the crime-prone areas daily between 1030 hrs and 1730 hrs.

Started in 2002, the sena helped check crimes in the area and spread the message of environmental protection among the families and the society with its activities, the release added.

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