Rakshak World Foundation organised various programs related to environmental protection on the occasion of World Environment Day, on Wednesday (5 June 2024), in the rural area of Uttarakhand. Sapling plantations , making ‘eco bricks’ from plastic bottles and the start of a cleanliness campaign in the area were the important activities done during the event.
The program was organized in the courtyard of the government primary school and Anganwadi center of Tana village in Nainital district, but apart from the residents of Tana, people living in the surrounding villages also participated in it. Although people of almost all classes and ages, dedicated to the protection of the environment, participated in this event, the enthusiasm of the children was worth seeing.
The program started with Saraswati Vandana and worship of plants, followed by plantations in the school premises. People also enjoyed songs and folk music giving the message of nature conservation. School children presented cultural programs. Different environmental issues and ways to deal with them were discussed in a workshop organised at the occasion . Topics like safe disposal of plastic and other such non-biodegradable household waste, were discussed. Ecobrick is one such solution to deal with the problem of litter in residential areas. Importance of eco bricks and the methods of making and using them were explained in the workshop.
To make these bricks we just need empty, useless or discarded bottles of water, cold drinks and oil etc. They are filled with non-biodegradable waste like polythene, empty packets of snacks like chips biscuits, empty wrappers of toffees and chocolates etc. This non-biodegradable waste which does not decompose for several years. Such waste not only creates an ugly atmosphere in the area, it also poisons the soil and reduces the water absorbing capacity of the ground. Often stray animals also eat them by mistake, which also becomes a cause of disease for them and even results in death.
Along with this, a campaign was started to collect and remove the non-biodegradable waste spreaded on the Nathuwakhan – Garhgaon Road and its adjoining forest area. This is mostly the garbage on the roadside that is thrown by vehicles or passersby. These included empty bottles of water, cold drinks and liquor, empty pouches of tobacco-pan masala etc. and empty packets of snacks. A large part of the garbage removed from here was used to make eco bricks.
The school principal Regina Rikhye and Anganwadi centre in-charge Ankita Arya helped in organising the programme while local resident Deepa Lodhiyal played a role in the coordination. Mr. Naveen, an education expert and representative of India Education Collective in Ramgarh Block , also showed special interest in the environment conservation workshop.
The cleanliness drive was started on the initiative of local resident Madhu Gautam who teaches local children as a social responsibility and also makes them aware of fitness. It was also decided to run this campaign through ‘Shramdaan ‘ on a regular basis. Volunteers of NGO ‘Bhagta Bharat’, which encourages children and youth about running and fitness, also participated in the programme.
Most of the people who attended the program were wearing green clothes , the theme colour which relates to mother nature . As it is a tradition in Kumaon region, the popular traditional food ‘Aloo ka Gutka and Suji ka Halwa’ was served on Bedu leaves, which was highly appreciated by the people. Sanjay Vohra, President of Rakshak World Foundation, explained the process of making ‘Eco Bricks’ in the workshop and highlighted its various aspects. Overall, this event of World Environment Day 2024 turned into a festivity.
