The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Wetlands across India disappearing rapidly’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 04, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Wetlands across India disappearing rapidly’

Staff Reporter

Pollution caused by wastes one of the main reasons for disappearance: expert

HYDERABAD: The move towards a consumer society has led to extensive depletion of natural resources, said Ken Gnanakan, national chairman, Programme for Environmental Awareness in Schools (PEAS). Mr.Gnanakan was delivering the keynote address at ‘Prakriti Chaitanya 2009’ at the Hyderabad Public School on the occasion of the World Wetlands Day. Over 14 schools of the twin cities participated in the event.

Pointing out that over consumption not only led to over production of products but also over production of waste. “Many know the impact of over consumption and over production on the environment, but most people don’t talk about the waste that is generated every day,” he said. Stressing on the importance of proper disposal of waste, Mr. Ken pointed out that most consumer societies don’t encourage reuse or recycle.

“Wetlands across India are disappearing rapidly and one of the main reasons for this is the pollution that is caused by waste,” he said.

Later in the day, actor and social activist Amala Akkineni gave a presentation on climate change and its affects in the country. From melting of the snow caps in Himalayas to drought in Andhra Pradesh, Amala explained the affects of greenhouse gases on the environment.

The Green PEAS Awards recognised the best environmental projects across schools. While the award for the Best School Biodiversity Project went to Princess Essen’s Girls High School, the Best Herbal Garden Project went to Defence Labs School. The Best Waste Segregating Project was won by Rama Devi Public School and Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans, Jubilee Hills won the prize for the Best Community Involved Project.

Also an ‘Eco-Calender’ painted by the PEAS club students was released by C.V. Rao, convenor, Energy Conservation Mission at the event.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh