Unit 7- Human Communities and the Environment CARBON ...

Unit 7- Human Communities and the Environment

Dr. Uzma Nadeem

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Environmental justice: National Green Tribunal and its importance

Role of various religious and cultural practices in environmental conservation

Environmental communication and public awareness: case studies (e.g., CNG vehicles

in Delhi, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, National Environment Awareness Campaign

(NEAC), National Green Corps (NGC) “Eco-club” programme, etc)

CARBON FOOTPRINT

A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases—primarily carbon dioxide—released into

the atmosphere by a particular human activity. A carbon footprint can be a broad measure or be

applied to the actions of an individual, a family, an event, an organization, or even an entire

nation.

For example, driving to the grocery store burns a certain amount of fuel, and fossil fuels are the

primary sources of greenhouses gases. But that grocery store is powered by electricity, and its

employees probably drove to work, so the store has its own carbon footprint.

Causes of Carbon Footprint:

Carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases are caused by the burning of fossil fuels in the

environment. In fact, any activity to fulfil a human need requires energy that

emits carbon dioxide. The electricity we use is mostly made from fossil fuels (such as coal,

natural gas and oil).

Although greenhouse gases do occur naturally, human activity contributes a great

deal to greenhouse gas emissions. Your carbon footprint or your impact on the environment

measures the greenhouse gases that you are responsible for creating. Common activities like

using electricity and driving a car emit those gases.

Trouble looms when we emit more CO2 than our flora can absorb. High carbon dioxide

producing activities include: Consuming electricity: Burning fossil fuels emits CO2, with coal

releasing twice as much of the gas as petroleum. Worldwide, fossil fuels generate 85 percent of

electricity.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint from Driving

All vehicles have an estimated miles-per-gallon rating. Electric cars emit no CO2 if they're

charged with clean electricity. Driving style Speeding and unnecessary

acceleration reduce mileage by up to 33%, waste gas and money, and increase your carbon

footprint.

7 Instant Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint


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1. Stop Eating (or Eat Less) Meat. The single most effective action you can take to combat

climate change is to stop eating meat.

2. Unplug Your Devices.

3. Drive Less.

4. Don't Buy “Fast Fashion”

5. Plant a Garden.

6. Eat Local (and Organic) .

7. Line-Dry Your Clothes.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Could Prevent Premature Deaths. ... Greenhouse gases such

as carbon dioxide trap heat, helping warm the globe. The surge in carbon dioxide levels due to

human activity since the Industrial Revolution is now causing an overall warming of the planet

that is having impacts around the globe

NARMADA BACHAO ANDOLAN

Narmada Bachao Andolan is the most powerful mass movement, started in 1985, against the

construction of huge dam on the Narmada River. Narmada is the India's largest west flowing

river, which supports a large variety of people with distinguished culture and tradition ranging

from the indigenous (tribal) people inhabited in the jungles here to the large number of rural

population. The proposed Sardar Sarovar Dam and Narmada Sagar will displace more than

250,000 people. The big fight is over the resettlement or the rehabilitation of these people. The

two proposals are already under construction, supported by US$550 million loan by the World

Bank. There are plans to build over 3000 big and small dams along the river.

It is a multi crore project that will generate big revenue for the government. The Narmada

Valley Development plan is the most promised and most challenging plan in the history of India.

The proponents are of the view that it will produce 1450 MW of electricity and pure drinking

water to 40 million people covering thousands of villages and towns. Some of the dams have

been already been completed such as Tawa and Bargi Dams. But the opponent says that this

hydro project will devastate human lives and bio diversity by destroying thousands of acres of

forests and agricultural land. On the other hand it will overall deprive thousands of people of

their livelihood. They believe that the water and energy could be provided to the people through

alternative technological means that would be ecologically beneficial.

Baba Amte (1914-2008) was one of India’s most respected social and moral leaders, while

Medha Patkar, a graduate in social work, is one of the initiators of The Save the Narmada

Movement (Narmada Bachao Andolan, NBA). NBA has mobilised itself against the disastrous

Narmada Valley dams project – the epitome of unsustainable development, both for its huge

ecological impact and the displacement of about a million people that it caused – shifting the

political focus to the promotion of alternatives designed to benefit the poor and the

environment.


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Led by one of the prominent leader Medha Patkar, it has now been turned into the International

protest, gaining support from NGO'S all around the globe. Protestors are agitating the issue

through the mass media, hunger strikes, massive marches, rallies and the through the on screen

of several documentary films. Although they have been protesting peacefully, but they been

harassed, arrested and beaten up by the police several times. The Narmada Bachao Andolan has

been pressurizing the World Bank to withdraw its loan from the project through media.

The strong protests throughout the country not only made impact on the local people but has

also influenced the several famous celebrities like film star Aamir Khan, who has made open

efforts to support Narmada Bachao Andolan. He said he only want that those who have been

rendered homeless should be given a roof. He pleaded to the common people to take part in the

moment and come up with the best possible solutions.

NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL AND ITS IMPORTANCE

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has emerged as an important player in Indian environmental regulation. It has issued orders on a variety of issues–ranging from pollution to deforestation to waste management. It recently directed the Delhi government to de-register all diesel vehicles more than 10 years old–a decision being opposed by many stakeholders, including the Central Government.

The National Green Tribunal was set up under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (NGT Act). The objective of the NGT Act is to provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to the protection of the environment. Even though the Act came into force on 2 June 2010, the first hearing of the Tribunal was held only in May 2011. The Tribunal suffered from serious ‘teething troubles’. Despite being a body constituted by an Act of Parliament, the Supreme Court had to intervene to ensure necessary administrative arrangements were made by various branches of the government for the Tribunal to become functional.

How does the Tribunal function

The members of the Tribunal are a mix of persons with a legal/judicial background and those with knowledge and expertise in environmental issues or with administrative experience. There is a principal bench of the Tribunal in New Delhi and four regional benches in Bhopal, Kolkata, Pune and Chennai. These are ‘co-equal benches’ i.e. the principal bench is not ‘higher’ in a judicial hierarchy than the other benches. Each bench has a specified geographical jurisdiction. For instance, cases arising from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, and Lakshadweep have to be filed in the Southern bench in Chennai. Occasionally ‘circuit benches’ are also constituted. These are specially constituted benches, which visit a particular city for a few days to hear cases relating to that state.

The Tribunal has original (to be the first judicial forum to hear a case) and appellate (review a regulatory authority's decision) jurisdiction with regard to the implementation of seven environmental laws. These are the :

1. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

2. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977

3. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

4. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.


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5. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,

6. Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991, and

7. Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

The notable exception is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 which is not included. A significant number of cases that may arise under the Wildlife (Protection) Act are criminal cases–and the Tribunal has no jurisdiction over criminal cases.

The Tribunal has original jurisdiction over all civil cases raising a substantial question relating to environment and which arise out of the implementation of the seven laws. This makes the Tribunal a crucial avenue for grievance redressal for persons who wish to highlight environmental issues which have serious implications but are not linked to a single government decision.

For instance, cases relating to the widespread pollution in the River Ganga and Yamuna, increasing air pollution in the National Capital Region, and illegal mining activities in different parts of the country have all been brought before the Tribunal under its original jurisdiction.

While exercising its appellate jurisdiction, the Tribunal decides cases in which a regulatory approval or consent granted (or rejected) by the relevant government agency is being challenged. These approvals or consents are those issued under the seven laws. For example, environmental clearances under the EIA Notification 2006, forest clearances under the Forest (Conservation) Act, and consents issued by the State Pollution Control Boards under the Water Act and the Air Act are included.

Who can approach the NGT

According to the NGT Act, an aggrieved person can file a case before the Tribunal, and could be an individual, a company, a firm, an association of persons (like an NGO), even i f not registered or incorporated, a trustee, a local authority (like a municipal corporation), or a government body (like the State Pollution Control Board). The person need not be directly affected by the project or development in question, but could be a ny person who is interested in protecting and preserving the environment. There is a time period within which the case has to be brought before the Tribunal, which varies according to the type of case.

What kind of decisions can the NGT deliver, and what is the timeline

The Tribunal has the power to cancel an approval or consent granted. It can also issue a stop work notice or an interim stay order. It can direct the constitution of a committee of experts to carry out fact finding or monitor the implementation of its orders; and direct concerned government agencies to take affirmative action to prevent or mitigate environmental damage. It can also direct the demolition of unauthorized construction. The Tribunal also has jurisdiction to order payment of compensation to victims of environmental damage or an environmental restoration fine to a government agency for restitution of damaged environment.

The NGT Act requires the Tribunal to hear cases as expeditiously as possible and endeavour to decide the case within six months from the date on which the case is filed. Despite this indicative timeline, it often takes longer as all parties have to be heard and allowed to present necessary evidence, and sometimes, the Tribunal initiates special investigations into facts, which may take up additional time.

Is the verdict of the NGT binding


Dr. Uzma Nadeem

The decision of the NGT is binding on the parties, unless they approach the Supreme Court in appeal and the NGT’s order is either stayed or reversed. Failure to comply with the orders of the Tribunal could lead to a fine or imprisonment of the person responsible.

ROLE OF VARIOUS RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL PRACTICES IN ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSERVATION

Almost all religions address the issue of the creation of the universe, or universes, in different

forms and with varying degrees of clarity or detail. However, all religions agree that the creation

is an act of God and should be treated as such.

Religion plays out its role in environmental conservation and protection by its beliefs and

teachings; it guides the relationship between man and nature, it offers moral framework. The

major religions; Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism have adopted similar

approaches or traditions that are geared towards environmental conservation. These are:

dominion: humans at the top of Creation and using natural resources as needed. Stewardship:

humans having a delegate dominion over Creation and being responsible and accountable for

their use of natural resources, empathy: nature is affected by human misbehaviour and God and

worship: nature gives glory to God and nature is sacred. These approaches correlate and they all

complement each other.

Dominion: This is the most misused approach, and environmental groups and individuals

express concern over it. It describes humans as superior creatures, who rule over creation. It

states that humans were given the mandate to rule over creation and use the natural resources

provided. This however, comes with the responsibility to protect and properly manage nature, a

part that is often ignored.

Stewardship: This is the most supported and accepted approach, it clearly states role of

humans not as superior but as part of nature and having a responsibility to protect it and be

accountable for their actions.

Empathy

States that is part of us and is affected by our actions and poor behavior, it appeals to our humanity and compassion.

God and worship

Simply states that nature gives glory to God and therefore is sacred and should not only be worshiped but also taken care of.

Each religion through its beliefs expresses concern for the environment and guides its believers towards conservation.

Hinduism:


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Hinduism also practices ecosystem protection beliefs and a good example is Mahatma Gandhi who promoted peace and coexistence with fellow humans and nature too, his teachings are extensive and all work towards environmental care.

Hinduism is a religion deeply rooted in nature. The sacred text (Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad

Gita, Epics) has many references of divinity related to nature, such as rivers, mountains, trees,

animals, and the earth. To protect them, Hinduism encourages environmental protection and

there are organizations that promote sustainable development and support the protection of

the environment through awareness campaigns and actions (Green Faith, 2010).

Islam:

Islam promotes environmental care through the belief of nature’s divinity and humanity’s responsibility to look after creation/nature also supported through the teachings of Quran that refer to nature as beautiful and sacred.

Hundreds of Qur’an verses support the protection of the environment. Many some Islamic

organizations promote the relation between Islam and sustainability. Islam also approaches

environment from a stewardship perspective. The earth is God’s creation, and as humans, we

have been entrusted to preserve it as we found. The responsibility of humanity is to protect and

ensure the unity (Tawheed) of the God’s creation. Moreover, Islam prohibits the excessive

consumption of resources the planet provides to the humanity (Qur’an 7:31, 6:141, 17:26-27,

40:34). In fact, Qur’an mentions wasteful consumption (Isrāf) as the thirty-second greatest

sin. In 2015, the Islamic Climate Change Symposium adopted the Islamic Declaration on Global

Climate Change.

Jainism:

Judaism also, through its teachings, plays a role in ensuring a proper environment. Nature is a central and since God is the owner, we should leave it as we found it. Judaism also discourages unnecessary destruction and destructive human activities.

Originated from India, the main teaching from Jainism is Ahimsa, the non-violence, in all parts of

life. Verbally, physically and mentally, Jainism doctrines focus on a peaceful and disciplined life.

Kindness to animals, vegetarianism and self-restraint with the avoidance of waste are parts of

Jains life. In addition, in 1990, The Jain Declaration on Nature was written to mark the entry of

the Jain faith into the WWF Network on Conservation and Religion (The Jain Declaration on

Nature, 1990).

Judaism:

In tradition, the land and environment are properties of God, and it is the duty of humankind to

take care of it. The book of genesis, as an example, proposes that the garden in Eden was

initially the chosen territory chosen by God for human to live.

Sikhism:


Dr. Uzma Nadeem

Sikhism is a native Indian religion appeared in the late 15th century founded by the first guru,

Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The sacred text is written by the foundational scripture Guru Granth Sahib

where there are several teachings on environment. The Sikh holy site is managed by Shiromani

Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (S.G.P.C.), and this organization makes decisions for the

global Sikh community, especially on environment.

Buddhism:

The Buddhists believe in oneness and between humanity and nature. If you harm the

environment, you harm yourself too; hence taking care of nature is taking care of yourself.

Another practice is that of peace and compassion to everyone and everything and ultimately

ensuring a balance between human practices and conservation.

The notion of karma alone, being an important part of Buddha's lessons, conveys the values of

conservation and responsibility for the future. It is said that the morality of our actions in the

present will shape our character for the future, an idea close of sustainable development.

Christianity:

Christianity, through bible teachings, promotes environmental care through the belief of nature’s divinity and humanity’s responsibility to look after creation/nature.

There are approximately hundred verses in the bible that talk about protection of the

environment. Christians therefore have environmental responsibility and encourage

behavioural change for the good of the future (Bible).

Confucianism:

For more than 2500 years, Confucianism influenced culture, society, economy and politics of

China mainly, but also Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Some sociologists called Confucianism as a

civil religion or diffused religion (Center for Global Education, 2018). Also, Confucianism was

part of the Chinese social fabric and way of life. To Confucians, everyday life was the arena of

religion. In the Analects of Confucius there is a very little about relation of and nature, but some

principles followed in Confucianism humanism are related in nature protection and ecology.

Baha’i Faith:

The Baha’i faith is based upon the world citizenship and it proclaims the unity of humankind. In

this order of idea, it defends the environment so that the whole humanity (including future

generation) can live happily in harmony with nature (ARC, n.d.).

Many religious groups are engaged it restoration and environmental protection activities. This has also led to the development of a new field of study/specialization; Eco-theology, which incorporates the concept of ecosystem management in religious teachings.

However, the role of religion and all these efforts and teachings seem to be currently fruitless due to our individual behaviors, it all boils down to your practices and activities, as it is always said, change begins with you.


Dr. Uzma Nadeem

NEW DELHI – A CASE STUDY OF THE CNG REVOLUTION

We must admit that the air pollution levels in Delhi – the capital city of India were dangerously

high enough for it to be listed amongst the world’s most polluted cities. Vehicular emissions,

which accounted for 70% of the air pollution, would morph into deadly smog during the foggy

winters resulting in an increase in respiratory illnesses, with children and senior citizens being

the worst affected. With the economy shifting gears around the same time amidst increasing

middle class aspirations, with about 500 new vehicles being added every day, a turnaround

seemed highly improbable.

Ever since then, Delhi has won the US Department of Energy’s first ‘Clean Cities International

Partner of the Year’ award in 2003 for ‘‘bold efforts to curb air pollution and support

alternative fuel initiatives’’.

In a unique display of judicial activism, the Supreme Court of India ordered the responsible

government to switch its public-transit system to a cleaner-burning fuel in response to citizens’

concerns about air pollution.

Buoyed by the public pressure, the government of New Delhi reluctantly as is typical of a

developing nation, complied and enforced regulations to convert its entire fleet of diesel and

gasoline dependent public transport system to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by 2002.

It’s funny to note that the court actually slapped a fine of about $450 on the Union government,

for repeatedly seeking a modification in the order.

To its credit, once the government set about preparing a comprehensive action plan by passing

the desired legislation and setting up the infrastructure necessary for such a transition, it

earned the recognition of drafting one amongst the top 12 best policies in the world, as per a

study conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and E3G.

Between 2000 and 2008, the Carbon emissions plummeted by 72%, while the SO2 emissions

decreased by 57% on account of 3500 CNG buses, 12000 taxis, 65000 auto rickshaws (tuk-tuks)

and 5000 mini buses plying on CNG. CNG is mainly comprised of methane, which upon

combustion mainly emits CO2 and H2O and being lighter disperses very quickly, whereas

gasoline and diesel being more complex, emit more harmful emissions such as NOX and

SOX. Owing to the recent volatility in the oil prices and continued patronage of CNG by the

government by way of subsidies, the general public has begun to increasingly incorporate CNG

kits in their private vehicles, which facilitates them to run on dual fuel mode. Encouraged by the

public response, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has set about an ambition plan of

bringing 200 cities under the supply network of CNG and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) by 2015.

The Indian City of Delhi is part of the national capital region (NCR) with about 14.3 million

inhabitants. Due to the rapid increase in vehicle kilometers driven and the poor technical

conditions of the vehicles, the load of ambient air with automobile pollutants is extremely high.

The Central Pollution Control Board estimates that city traffic added as much as 2,000 tons of

pollutants a day in 2000. The permissible standard of 240 micrograms for suspended

https://webberenergyblog.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/new-delhi-a-case-study-of-the-cng-revolution/


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particulates (annual average) and 240 micrograms per cubic meter (24 hour standard) are

exceeded, but no exact analysis based on monitoring station readings are available.

Diesel buses were only allowed to operate until that date if their owners could prove that they

had placed orders either for the same number of new CNG buses or for conversion to CNG.

According to a study issued by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, which was

carried out by an international consultant team, until March 2001 about 275 CNG buses, 12,000

CNG taxis and cars and 13,500 CNG three-wheelers were on the road by that time. As 2002 came

to a close, however, all diesel buses in Delhi have been converted to CNG and air pollution levels

are noticeably down.

For a country which depends on 70% of oil imports, the recent indigenous gas discoveries in the

K.G Basin and elsewhere have only brightened our outlook for lesser dependence on foreign oil,

enabling us to save valuable foreign exchange. In view of growing awareness for cleaner air and

climate change, there’s many a lesson to be learnt from Delhi’s resurgence.

Limitations

According to the Centre for Science and Environment, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas

(MPNG) did not organize an appropriate supply of CNG to the Delhi area, because they did not

believe that the Supreme Court’s order would be implemented. Consequently, in the late spring

and in the summer 2001 there was a shortage of CNG forcing many of the taxis and three-

wheelers to stop circulating. This influenced public opinion negatively against CNG.

While it was recognized that the introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel (<50 PPM) and diesel

particulate filters could make it possible for conventional diesels to achieve very low PM levels,

such fuels are not scheduled to be introduced in Delhi until 2010. Another problem arose by a

whisper campaign of unidentified sources that CNG would cause cancer. According to a survey

carried out by CSE, more than half of the people asked in several parts of Delhi had heard that

CNG caused cancer although the majority of the whole participants preferred CNG and did not

believe the alleged negative environmental aspect of CNG.

Impact

The shift to CNG initiated by the Indian Supreme Court was very difficult and took much longer

to implement than it should have due to very limited support by other government authorities

in Delhi. But at the end of the day, all diesel buses were eliminated and air quality has improved.

But Daily ambient air quality data from June 1999 to September 2003 from the busiest crossing

in Delhi do not indicate an all-round improvement in ambient quality due to point sources of

pollution which is contributing to SO2 and mobile sources are contributing to NOX

concentrations. The NOx has risen after the conversion whereas SPM and PM10 have shown

only marginal fall; CO has shown a significant decline.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION It is a well-known fact that a clean nation is a healthy nation. Cleanliness and sanitation for India

has been a story of gradual progress due to the country’s large geographical coverage of 3.2


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million square kilometres. While policy measures can play a key role in ensuring universal

sanitation, nothing can replicate the impact of a behavioural change in the citizens of the

country.

To accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage in a time bound manner in

mission mode, the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, launched the Swachh Bharat

Mission (SBM) on 2nd October, 2014, with the goal of achieving an open defecation free (ODF)

India by 2nd October 2019, as a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth

anniversary.

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation manages the rural component of the mission

– Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), and is the coordinating department for the overall

SBM. Since the launch of the SBM, India’s rural sanitation coverage has increased from 39% in

2014 to over 99% as of June 2019, and the Mission is on track to achieve its goal of an ODF India

by 2019

The core objective of the Mission is to “accelerate universal sanitation coverage and to

put focus on sanitation”.

The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched with the aim of achieving a clean India (covering over

4,000 cities and towns), by 2019 through ensuring cleanliness and sanitation (solid and liquid

waste management and making gram panchayats open defecation-free). The overall mission has

two sub-missions i.e. SBM (Gramin) and SBM (Urban).

SBM Gramin is actually an extension of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan launched earlier. Besides

promoting cleanliness, hygiene and eliminating open defecation, the Mission also aims at

promoting sustainable sanitation practices in communities and panchayati raj institutions and

developing appropriate, cost effective technologies for sanitation.

SBM Urban targets urban areas, which are expected to be home to 660 million Indians by

2050. As of 2016, India had 33% of the total population living in urban areas. The population of

urban India is expected to increase to 600 million by 2031 and with increasing population

migrating from rural to urban areas, urban India will also need focused attention. Thus, to

provide better sanitation and waste management facilities in the urban scenario, this mission

has been brought in. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched the annual Swachh

Survekshan Survey for rating of 73 cities in January 2016. In 2018, the scope of the coverage has

increased to 4,203 cities including 61 Cantonment Boards.

Impact:

The Government of India has taken urgent measures to increase sanitation coverage in

the country at a brisk pace. Since launch, 81.55 million toilets have been built across

India under Swachh Bharat Mission - Grameen with a rural sanitation coverage of

around 90.33% compared to 38.7% as on October 2, 2014.*


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Further, since the launch of the mission, 4,19,391 villages have been declared open-

defecation free.

Under the Swachh Bharat (Urban) Mission around 4.32 million household toilets and

392,817 community toilets had been constructed. Moreover, 67,085 wards had 100%

door-door collection (Solid Waste Management Rules)*.

WHO has estimated that if the Government achieves 100% implementation of its

cleanliness drive by 2019, the country could be on track to avert 300,000 deaths due to

diarrhoeal disease and protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

In order to reconnect with nature, The National Environment Awareness Campaign (NEAC) was

launched by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India in 1986, and is being

continued every year. Several non-governmental organizations, educational and training

institutions, professional associations, scientific bodies, community organizations, and also a

whole range of other agencies participate in the campaign. These bodies singularly or in

partnership with other organizations, organize programmes for creating environmental

awareness followed by field action at the local, regional and national level.

Objective

The objective of the scheme is to create mass awareness among general public, students and

other target groups about environmental problems and to take measures for environment

protection by active involvement of Students, NGOs, rural masses and general public. The

scheme was initiated by Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India (MEF, GOI) in

1986. PSCST is acting as Regional Agency for Punjab and Chandigarh. Theme for NEAC 2009-10

is "Climate Change". To participate in NEAC during a particular year, interested agencies may

submit proposals to the Council as per format before the last date specified by the MEF, GOI.

Performa.

Council also celebrates all environmentally important days such as World Wetland Day (2nd

February), Earth Day (22nd April) World Environment Day (5th June), International Day for

Preservation of Ozone layer (16th Sep), International Day for Conservation of

Biodiversity (22nd May), etc. by motivating all active NGOs and Schools/institutions in Punjab.

Participating agencies take up following activities on the occasion of celebration of Environment

related days:

Planting of local tree species.

Cleaning of Public places/school compounds/ponds/drains, etc.

Organization of film or slide shows at community centers, Schools, Colleges, Museums,

etc. on environmental themes.

Organization of puppet shows, street dramas, folk dances, songs, etc. to focus on the

need to protect our environment.

Saving water, repairing leaking pipes and joints, installing flow reducers at business

premises/factories/mills.

Reducing water use in garden by using drip or sprinkler systems.


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Installation of rain water harvesting system for management and storage of rain water.

Choosing products that are recyclable and also products made from recycled materials.

Walking or riding a bike for short trips.

Donating unwanted but usable items.

Initiate the establishment of plant nurseries in schools, villages, etc.

Organising simple exhibitions, fairs, melas, etc. on environment.

Organising public debates and discussions on environment Vs. development in local

languages for the general public.

Organising quiz/essay/painting/poster competitions on environment for school

children.

Further, teachers, eco-clubs students’ members, NGOs, etc. celebrating environment related

days may themselves present and solicit ideas on what to do for particular day. They may form

groups to discuss and rank the ideas and add new ones. They may pick the top one, two, or three

and devise plans to make them happen.

NATIONAL GREEN CORPS “ECO-CLUB” PROGRAMME

Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India has initiated National Green Corps

(NGC) programme for implementation through the mechanism of Eco-Clubs set up in schools

from Class V-XII all over the country. Under this scheme 250 schools have been selected from

each district. Each school is being provided financial aid of Rs. 2,500/- per year. Besides,

trainings and retraining are conducted for Incharge-teachers and resource material on

environment aspects is provided to each school.

Objectives of the scheme are:-

To make children understand environment and environmental problems.

To provide environmental education opportunities for school children.

To utilize the unique position of school children as conduits for awareness of the

society at large.

To facilitate children’s participation in decision making in areas related to environment

& development.

To bring children into direct contact with the environmental problems facing the

society they live in and make them think of solutions.

To involve children in action based programmes related to environment in their

surroundings.

Each NGC school has constituted eco-clubs of 30-35 students to take up environment awareness

activities under the supervision of eco-club incharge teacher.

In all 5000 schools in Punjab are covered under this programme. Schools are suggested to take

up following activities:


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Organise seminars, debate, lectures & popular talks on environmental issues in the

school.

Field visits to environmentally important sites including polluted and degraded sites,

wildlife parks, etc.

Organise rallies, marches, human chains and street theatre at public places with a view

to spread environmental awareness.

Action based activities like tree plantation, cleanliness drives both within and outside

the school campus.

Grow kitchen gardens, maintain vermi-composting pits, construct water-harvesting

structures in school, practice paper recycling, etc.

Prepare inventories of polluting sources and forward it to enforcement agencies.

Organise awareness programmes against defecation in public places, pasting posters in

public places and to propagate personal hygiene habits like washing hands before

meals, etc.

Maintenance of public places like parks, gardens both within and outside

the school campus.

Mobilise action against environmentally unsound practices like garbage disposal in

unauthorized places, unsafe disposal of hospital waste, etc.

Celebrate two environmentally important days in a befitting manner.

Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) organized a 3 days

training programme for Master Trainers of Punjab & Chandigarh at Golden Jubilee Conference

Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh from January 29-31, 2008 with the support of Ministry of

Environment & Forests, Govt. of India. In all 80 Master Trainers (4 from each district) from

Punjab and 4 Master Trainers from Chandigarh participated in the training.

Eminent experts delivered lectures covering environment issues ranging from state of air and

water resources, environmental degradation due to pollution from anthropogenic and other

activities, biodiversity issues, climate change, depletion of ozone layer, simple ways of testing

water quality using water quality testing kit, etc. Entire programme was divided into Inaugural

Session and six Technical Sessions. These Master Trainers will provide training to 250 eco-club

In-charge Teachers in each district.

VERMICOMPOSTING

Vermicomposting is a type of composting in which certain species of earthworms are used to

enhance the process of organic waste conversion and produce a better end-product. It is a

process utilizing microorganisms and worms.


Dr. Uzma Nadeem

Vermicompost (vermi-compost, vermiculture) is the product of the composting process using

various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a

mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast.

The chemical secretions in the earthworm's digestive tract help break down soil and organic

matter, so the castings contain more nutrients that are immediately available to plants. A wide

range of organic residues, such as straw, husk, leaves, stalks, weeds etc can be converted

into vermicompost.

Worm castings can be directly mixed with your potting soil or garden soil as an

organic fertilizer. The compost can also be used as a top dressing for your indoor or

outdoor plants. In pots and containers, don't use pure vermicompost. Generally, 3 tablespoons

of vermicompost per plant is plenty.

Unit 7- Human Communities and the Environment CARBON ...

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