We're determined to protect the environment: NGO founder

Reinforcing their commitment towards sustainability, India's leading media and entertainment conglomerate Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), and prominent NGO the Bhamla Foundation have come together this World Environment Day. Zee, through its initiative 'Zee Is Green', and the foundation will be organising a star-studded event at the open-air amphitheatre at Carter Road in Bandra on June 5. The event will be supported by the ministry of environment and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
Founder Asif Bhamla, in a tête-à-tête with dna, talks about what's on the cards this year during the event, which will have several prominent personalities from all walks of life participate in it.

What are the initiatives planned this year?

A massive cycle rally, stalls on environment awareness and preservation, keynote sessions by noted environmentalists and a tree sapling distribution drive.

Tell us more about the cycle rally…

It is supposed to be flagged off from Bandra Bandstand and end at Carter Road. We want to motivate citizens to use cycle as much as possible and, hence, will be conducting a spinning – indoor cycling workout on Carter Road promenade as well. We want to break the myth that you can only cycle if you're a child.

Who all are going to be felicitated at the event?

Three representatives from local residents association groups and advance locality management groups will be felicitated for their role in preserving the environment — Madhu Poplai, Maria D'souza and Lilian Pias among others. We are also going to be felicitating a social community called Chaka Chak, Bandra started by students, who have beautified Bandra's railway station and played a key role in spreading the message of cleanliness.

Would you suggest a few tips on how people can do their bit in keeping the environment around them clean?

There are many societies in Bandra that have adopted rainwater harvesting techniques. Khar Gymkhana recently adopted the zero-garbage technique by separating wet and dry waste. By separating the waste, one can make manure for plants and also recycle garbage. Along with this, we must spread awareness among schoolchildren, because they are the ones who will have to live in an environment that might not be clean. We, at Bhamla Foundation, also conduct workshops for children.

What is the vision of your foundation with regard to protecting the environment?

We are determined to protect the environment. Eight years ago, when we had started talking about it, it sounded alien. Today, people are more conscious than earlier. Currently, we have three prime goals, planting 3,000 trees, spreading awareness among societies and schools on zero garbage, and rainwater harvesting.