With an aim to create concern towards environment among common men, some karyakartas established Paryavaran Dakshata Manch at Maharashtra’s Thane city. The manch started creating environment awareness through activities such as nature clubs, street plays, lectures, etc and a team of environment-conscious citizens was built within a short period of time. Experts from various fields started getting associated with the manch and an ‘environment school’ was established soon.
The school that was initially established for teachers and students is now open to all. Those who are concerned towards environment are allowed to sit in class again. The school that is held every Saturday teaches to read and observe the nature. This helps fruitful in clearing a number of small but basic concepts. This school doesn’t have four walls but it takes you to the company of Mother Nature. Nature Picnics are organized in the regions surrounding Thane so that the students learn quite a lot from the surrounding atmosphere.
Nature Club is constituted under which competitions such as ‘recognize trees’ ‘recognize nests’ painting contests, street plays, etc are organized. Magic show, puppet show, etc are also organized. All these activities are environment centered. Every year, such type of activities are conducted. Children get engrossed in exploring this treasure of knowledge. Environment awareness is created among public. Programmes are organized to mark World Environment Day, National Pollution Control Day, etc. Various topics are communicated to students through lectures and exhibitions. As the awareness spread among public, the atmosphere regarding the conservation of environment was created in the city.
The school endeavours to induce all the colours of nature into Indian festivals. Occasions such as Diwali, Nagpanchmi, Ganeshotsav, Independence Day, etc are celebrated in an eco-friendly manner. Training is given to manufacture herbal colours for Holi celebration. Public Holi programme is organized every year. Scientific information is provided on Nagpanchmi. Appeal is made to curb the noise and air pollution during Diwali.
Some students are engaged in preparing idols for Ganshotsav. Preparing Ganesh idols from ‘Shadu’ soil and paper pulp is taught here. This eco-friendly concept evolved as a part of lake conservation campaign in Thane. The region that was once regarded as city of lakes was on the verge of losing its identity because of the increasing pollution along the side of lakes. The manch conducted a detailed survey and it was found that the depth of all the lakes had reduced due to the immersion of idols made from plaster of Paris. Awareness was then created among masses with the help of students. The efforts yielded fruits as the municipal corporation constructed artificial ponds for immersion of idols. It is important to note that none of the lakes in Thane is now utilized for idol immersion. Drive was also implemented for undertaking cleaning work of khadi.
A magazine titled ‘Aapla Paryavaran’ is published for creating environment awareness among people. Realizing the importance of films in creating social awareness, film festivals are also organized. Apart from this, environment conservation guidance centre is run by the manch that benefits teachers and students in large numbers. Students design environment-based scientific projects to present them at various competitions and exhibitions. The manch provides scholarships and all other types of assistance to such students.
‘Enviro Vision’ project for disposal of hospital waste is an important aspect of the mach. Taking into account the health hazards caused due to improper disposal of hospital waste, the project was started at Kalwa locality. Garbage from the hospital is brought at the disposal centre through the medium of closed containers; it is weighed and the details are noted down. Inflammable section is burnt and the ash is dumped into ground. The remaining portion is sterilized. Plastic material is broken into fragments. The project provides service to 2,500 hospitals. This is the unique centre of its kind in the region that is run by a voluntary organization.
The centre that provides employment to over 50 people is the source of energy for the manch. ‘In Part’ centre located in its premises has served as the means to acquire practical experience by the school children. Environment-related aspects taught in schools can be practically experienced here. The manch has been successful in creating affection among students regarding environment and transforming their attitude towards the same.
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