Jaipur
On April 22, 2010 when Earth Day was being observed across the world, Jaipur’s 2 NGOs were cycling around the Pink City to encourage Jaipur citizens to plant trees and recharge ground water. Raksha & Courser, the 2 NGOs based in Jaipur, along with Indian Youth Climate Network (IYCN, a youth NGO) organised a Green Earth Cycle Rally on Earth Day to spread awareness about Global Warming, importance of Trees and Water Conservation.
The rally started from Govind Devji temple at 9 am & following the route of Jalebi Chowk - Jantar Mantar - Tripolia Bazaar - Chhoti Choupar - Ajmeri Gate – SMS Road finally reached Central Park.
40 enthusiastic volunteers from 3 NGOs rode their cycles with placards stating messages about Nature. Literature on tree plantation & global warming were provided to curious people on the way.
At Central Park, the cyclists held a meeting in which all of them resolved to plant more trees by involving more residents of Jaipur and to decrease the city’s temperature by 5 degree Celsius in a few years.
Chennai
The IYCN team in Chennai celebrated earth day at IIPM Chennai. The event had three components in-
1. Screening of the movie “Home”
2. A live interaction with Dr. Michael Swift
3. Adopting saplings
50 saplings of Bheema Bamboo were distributed to participants who have adopted the saplings. The idea behind this is to involve the community in contributing their part towards the society and the cause. The Adopt a Sapling is not an one off event but the IYCN team would ensure the survival of the saplings and at the right time (around the monsoon season) plant the saplings in a suitable place.
Hyderabad
On April 22nd 2010, IYCN is working with various other organizations to bring environmental issues to the fore.
1. Along with Telangana Pharma and chemical employees association, a human chain was organized around Hussain Sagar Lake from 8AM to 9AM. The purpose of the chain is to stand in solidarity for the environment and urge our leaders to take immediate action.
2. IYCN is organizing an e-waste campaign in the city. Electronic waste like dead batteries, tapes, cd’s, cpu’s and other electronic waste is toxic and has to be carefully recycled. Collection units have been set up near KBR Park, Tarnaka, Ameerpet and Nampally for citizens to dispose their toxic e-waste for the next 3 months.
3. The environmental movie “Home” has been screened across 8 engg. Colleges in the city along with the U.S. Consulate. The movie is a great visual experience and will be screened for IAS officers association on the 24th and Secunderabad club on the 28th at 6PM.
4. A painting contest called ‘Earth Calling’ for kids is being organized by IYCN and summer school ‘Mango Tree’. The community in Trimulgherry is being engaged for the event and Ms. Vijaya Lakshmi, an eminent artist.
Bangalore
The Earth Day is a day that is so observed as to generate awareness and inspire people about the importance of the environment and also to draw attention to the fact that her are fast dwindling. In keeping with this theme, IYCN, Karnataka in association with the Saahas, Bangalore Central Group of Malls observed the Earth Day by conducting a series of events through the city with focus on both the branches of Central (MG Road and Jayanagar) that saw active participation from the masses.
The events that were conducted are:
1. Setting up of an E-Waste bin at both the branches of Bangalore Central in association with Saahas, and also generating awareness about this bin to the various customers of Bangalore Central.
2. Tree plantation at Jayanagar in association with Bangalore Central
3. In association with REVA and Red FM, a car rally was organized wherein a fleet of 5 cars were driven through the city and a contest was organized where listeners who spotted the green REVA car, could call Red FM to win a prize. This rally was flaged off at Bangalore Central.
4. An emcee was present at both the branches of Bangalore Central who asked environment related questions of the customers. Correct answers were then awarded prizes (Solar Lanterns and Cloth Bags).
5. Stalls were set up by both IYCN and Saahas at venues, where green products were on display and where information on E-Waste, its collection and processing.
New Delhi
Earthday activities in New Delhi was a day full of events to create awareness about a variety of environmental issues. In the morning members of IYCN and the Universal Peace Federation assembled at the Agrasen ki Bawli located in middle of the busy Connaught Place in New Delhi. The participants cleaned up the Bawli. The Archaeological Survey of India is already working in restoring the Bawlis. Mr. Mohammad KK the superintendent of the Delhi region of ASI explained the importance of such traditional water management structures and its contemporary relevance.
In the evening, IYCN in association with the Indian Law Institute organised a set of events which included the following :-
1. Screening of the movie ECO Dharma
2. Environmental Quiz
3. Panel Discussion with Dr. Vandana Shiva, Navdanya
The evening ended with an enlightening speech by Dr. Vandana Shiva on a variety of issues ranging from international politics to organic kitchen gardens as a solution to climate change. The videos can be found at www.youtube.com/iycntv