Youngsters should play a greater role in conserving the environment, secretary of Tamilnadu Science and Technology Association S Vincent has said.

Participating in a meet, organised in Chennai jointly by Tamilnadu Environmental Council (TNEC), Environmental Lawyers Forum and Environmental Scientists Forum to discuss on environmental issues, Vincent said that politicians should act as role models in creating awareness among the public on environment.

He suggested  forming groups comprising environmentalists, students and social activists to study on various environment- related issues. ‘ The research could then be documented and presented to the government for initiating development projects related to environment,’ he said.

State organiser of TNEC L Anthonisamy said that environmental modification would have an impact on the livelihood of a  large section of  society. Citing studies, he said that rising sea levels and changing climatic conditions in  the Pacific Ocean would have an effect on India.

‘ It will result in lesser rainfall, which may affect farming,’ he said adding that proper water management techniques should be adopted. ‘ The government has been giving importance only to starting more industries but it doesn’t seem to have taken any proper waste management measures to save the environment from further deterioration,’ he said.

A report on Status of Tamilnadu’s Water Bodies was released on the occasion.