The Regional Museum of Natural History, Bhopal, hosted another series of engaging workshops on June 13, 2025, as part of its ongoing Summer Nature Study Programmes – "Green Cub" and "Green Teen." The initiatives aimed to educate young participants about nature, wildlife, and environmental conservation through hands-on activities and insightful visits.
For the "Green Cub" program, an Animal Clay Model making workshop was organized. Arvind Anupam, a modeller from the museum, facilitated the session, demonstrating how to create a relief model of a Rose Ringed Parakeet and a 3D model of a Tortoise. Anupam also provided practical advice on clay preparation, emphasizing the selection of pond soil, which should be finely crushed, mashed, and mixed with adequate water and a small amount of sand for optimal consistency. Manik Lal Gupta, Scientist-C and Programme Coordinator of the museum, used the opportunity to explain the crucial roles parakeets and tortoises play in the ecosystem. He highlighted how parakeets aid in seed dispersal by consuming fruits and spreading seeds, while tortoises contribute as scavengers by feeding on fallen leaves and organic matter, thus helping to maintain environmental cleanliness.
Concurrently, the "Green Teen" program featured a study visit to the laboratories of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Bhopal. During the visit, participants gained valuable insights into various aspects of environmental pollution. Ranu Verma, Scientist-C, along with Rameshwar Bandewar, Senior Scientific Assistant, Rashmi Thakur, Senior Scientific Assistant, and Jagjivan Ram, Junior Laboratory Assistant, provided detailed information on air pollution, water pollution, and the parameters of pollutants. They also explained pollution monitoring methodologies and various pollution controlling methods. Towards the end of the visit, the CPCB team demonstrated the identification process of compostable plastic versus other types of plastic using Di Chloro Methane, offering a practical understanding of waste management challenges.
These workshops underscore the Regional Museum of Natural History's commitment to fostering environmental awareness and scientific literacy among the youth of Bhopal through interactive and educational summer programs.