Date:13/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/13/stories/2008121357730200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Camp pushes eco agenda

Staff Reporter

Environment camp spreads awareness

HYDERABAD: The tent presented a picture way apart from the routine ones at the Dharna Chowk near Indira Park. Hemmed in by a strip of traditional dung-spray on floor, the tent hosted ‘Repenti?’(What about Tomorrow?), an environment awareness programme that had a flavour of its own.

The camp, inaugurated on Friday, was largely meant for spreading awareness among children.

Each child that entered the premises would be given a sheet of paper to draw his or her idea of environment. A host of such paintings is on display at the camp apart from the models of water harvesting pits, clay Ganeshas and cloth bags.

The 72-hour programme was part of ‘Mission 5 Lakhs’, an undertaking to mobilise five lakh people to pressure government and political parties into announcing their respective environment policies. Registers are kept for the visitors to sign their support and thereby pledge votes for the environment-conscious political parties.

“Environment is a non-serious issue for most political parties. Through our effort, we want to impress upon the leaders the indispensability of eco-friendly policies. We have so far collected over 5,000 signatures and aim for 1.25 lakh before April. This will create trepidation in political leaders towards recognising environment as an issue,” said Vijayaram, the founder-member of the Society for Awareness and Vision on Environment (S.A.V.E.) that organised the programme. He prepared a ten-point agenda that includes demands for the creation of a State ministry for environment, and enforcement of water-harvesting pits, among others.

The camp was attended by Daripalle Ramaiah from Khammam district who is said to have planted over 50 lakh saplings so far. He distributed saplings and urged visitors to grow trees.

The camp will also organise presentations, documentaries, lectures, and street-shows to promote environment consciousness. A gigantic rangoli will be drawn with eco-friendly colours and saplings will be distributed free of cost.