Even as the Copenhagen Summit at Denmark, held purportedly to control the environmental damages, fell short of its goal, the mantle of leadership to protect the environment has been taken over by the city’s school-going kids. With the educational institutes acting as a centre point for environmental initiatives, the child brigade is taking the green movement forward.
“My daughter participates regularly in the beach cleaning programme after the Ganesh visarjan. Once, I went along with her to Juhu and was astounded at the devastation that we wreck on the environment in the name of religion. Since then, we are very conscientious and choose eco-friendly options,” said Vaidehi
Raman, a parent from Maneckji Cooper High School, Santa Cruz.
With the city battling with water crisis, the parents of students from Holy Mary Convent High School, Malad, learnt to recycle water. “My son was involved in a project where they had to suggest new methods to save water at an individual level. The whole family got together to find ways. Now, I re-use the water used for washing for cleaning purposes,” said Mehul Patkar, Goregaon.
Tulika Mehta, from Villa Theresa School, Peddar Road, convinced her parents to opt for soundless crackers after she worked on a project regarding pollution. “We burst soundless crackers this Diwali after I came to know how the noise disturbs animals and birds,” she said.
Realising the potential of students as green messengers, several NGOs, clubs and corporates are involving them in practical projects. “We started an initiative called Young Rangers where the student will be involved in various projects concerned with conservation of resources,” said Sunjay Monga, nature author and naturalist. “Youngsters can really make a difference.”
Children’s Movement of Civic Awareness (CMCA) is another non-profit organisation that reaches out to a wide audience through children. “We have been spearheading efforts in schools to inculcate civic and environmental consciousness through civic clubs,” said Vinodini Lulla, Trustee and Coordinator, CMCA.
“Youngsters help in influencing their friends, parents, peer groups etc. We have campaigned for clean coastal lines, pollution-free Diwali, banning plastic bags etc with their help.”
Comments