Emphasising that environmental protection must go beyond symbolic gestures, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister O.J. Janish on Friday inaugurated the State-level World Environment Day celebrations organised by the State Museum and Zoo department in Thrissur.The Minister said tree planting should not be reduced to a mere ritual, urging people to take responsibility for nurturing and protecting saplings. “Planting trees is not enough; we must ensure they grow and survive,” he said.As part of the programme, the Minister also laid the foundation stone for a ‘Butterfly Eco Park and Conservation Centre’ at the museum premises. The project is being jointly implemented by St. Mary’s College (Autonomous), Thrissur, and the State Museum and Zoo department. A QR code system to provide detailed information on butterfly species in the park was also launched.The event was presided over by councillor Joy Bastin Chackola. Museum and Zoo department director P.S. Manjuladevi, St. Mary’s College Principal Dr. Meena K. Cheruvathur and Curator Manjusha S. also spoke on the occasion. Published - June 05, 2026 07:47 pm IST