Around 300 students and teachers from various colleges across Mumbai were present to discuss the issues on how to protect the city's wetlands.
On February 2, World Wetland Day was observed across the globe and city-based NGO Paryavaran Dakshta Manch (PDM) aptly celebrated the day by conducting a three-day conference, which concluded on Tuesday.
Around 300 students and teachers from various colleges across Mumbai were present to discuss the issues on how to protect the city's wetlands. At the conference, which had presentations, street plays, short films and discussions as well as debates, scientists and environmentalists shared their opinion and probable solution to preserve the diminishing wetland.
Convener of the conference introduced students to various organisations and their works, who are also a part of the organising committee, along with PDM. Association of Teachers in Biological Sciences, Mangroves Society of India, BN Bandodkar College of Science and Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural history (SACON) are the participating organisations. Prof Vidyadhar Walavalkar spoke about Clean Creek Movement and said, "This movement is about keeping the creek clean."
Dr Shyam Asolekar, a scientist from IIT Bombay, introduced students to the concept of 'construct wetlands'. "Constructed wetlands are artificially built, which are specially designed for the treatment of waste water. A carefully chosen plants like typha and cana indica and a specially designed substrate provide right biological environment for cleansing and reoxygenating the water," he said.
Scientists expressed the rising need of spreading the awareness among students and their participation.
Mumbai University vice-chancellor, Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, highlighted the need to make mangrove wetlands sustainable, importance of mangroves in conservation of coastal areas and participatory rural appraisal. He said he believes that nurturing of wetlands is necessary for betterment of humanity, as he also focussed on fiercely practicing conservation of wetlands.
"A finding suggests that suspended solid, nitrates, copper, zinc and silicate, among others have increased in the creek. Fishery has declined significantly and siltation has also increased in the creek, which prevents breeding of fishes, leading to decline in biodiversity," said Dr RP Athalye. He added that the 'Clean Creek Abhiyan' should be celebrated in colleges, schools, corporations and societies.
"It's our collective responsibility to bring to light the wetland issues and by 2017, students of those colleges located near the coasts should participate in action research and resource mapping of wetlands. For this purpose, grants are provided to researchers by the MU. Also, there is lacunae in implementation of policies and development strategies. Conservation strategies should be rechecked and blend of both should be achieved," said Dr Deshmukh.
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