CHANDIGARH – April 1, 2008:Prof Arun D Ahluwalia, Incharge PU Environment Outreach feels it is a very healthy sign that so much focus has come on the trees and related environmental issues in media and public discussion.Indeed I switch my lights off today 8 to 9 pm and join our youngsters in UIET, PU in their efforts at emulating the Sydney Experiment.
But is it enough? We need to not waste power everywhere every minute; not sit in overcooled or overheated rooms; dress up as per weather; For last several months in the spirit of "ekla cholo re" I have carried on the interactive dialogue about multiple issues of environment in schools, colleges and various PU departments and refresher courses and science camps.
I seriously feel the issues being debated need a wider transparent discussion and dialogue. Various persons at helm in PU are also willing for
such a dialogue.It is a challenge and opportunity to inculcate finer environmental ethics,systematic environmental audit and have transparent threadbare discussion.
I do not consider it bad if youngsters compete with each other in politics and use environmental issues for articulating their ideas and sharpening
their communication skills.Issues I suggest are : SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES AND GOOD WATER TABLE FRIENDLY TREES; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF PU & PLANTING TREES ON A REGULAR BASIS; GIFTING PLANTS NOT FLOWERS/ARTICLES ON OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS;ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT OF TREES INFECTED WITH TERMITES; TECHNOLOGY OF TRANSPLANTING TREES FROM AREAS LIBERATED FROM SLUMS; PROMOTING CYCLING AND WALKING ON PU; DISCOURAGING CARS BY SOME MEANS; WALL MAGAZINES ON ENVIRONMENT; DECLAMATION CONTESTS ON ENVIRONMENT; CURBING WASTEFUL POWER IN STREET LIGHTS BURNING OVERTIME.
Looking for your response.
Let us begin a dialogue and come to a tangible common programme by EARTH DAY April 22nd when I propose massive awakening through environment film shows in a convenient auditorium in the PU. I propose to also show our discussion on the issues during that film show.