Thursday June 6, 2002


The Statesman

KOLKATA, June 5.- Kolkatans were their usual self – full of beans – celebrating World Environment day today. Never mind if they really do much to maintain a clean environment.

The environmental science department of Jadavpur University, in association with Science Association of Bengal, held a theme lecture on “Man society and environment: action plan at school level”.

About 100 school students removed used plastic bags and planted saplings inside the Indian Botanical Garden. The Botanical Survey of India and PUBLIC, an NGO, had organised a green-and-clean drive. Dr. G S Giri, joint director, IBG said: “The drive was initiated to generate awareness about the effects of non-biodegradable products like plastic packets and cups.” Mrs Banani Kakkar of PUBLIC, said a proposal was put to IBG authorities to make the garden a plastic-free zone. She said use of plastic bags should be banned in the state as has been done in Tamil Nadu.

The KMC today launched a tree plantation programme, to be carried on for two months, with the help of ward councillors. Swami Vivekananda Cultural Foundation organised a preview of a documentary film on environment, Haadsa, at Nandan-III to mark the day. Several other organisations like Kolkata 36, Maitree of Salt Lake, Centre for Sustainable Production and Consumption (CUTS), Society for Direct Initiative for Social and Health Action (DISHA), Paschimbanga Bigyan Mancha (Kolkata branch) Sahara India (Kolkata branch) also celebrated the day. – SNS