Chennai: These are times when people are more aware about the conservation of environment and preserving it for the future generation.
Understanding that this feat can be achieved only with the cooperation of many individuals, Darwin Annadurai, a resident of Chitlpakkam, near Tambaram in the city suburb recently started a NGO called Eco Society of India (ESI).
Speaking to News Today, Darwin says that the main aim of the group is to restore the greenery in the suburban area.
“Due to rapid urbanisation, temperature has increased, pollution is on the rise and people are not even able to breathe fresh air. We want to bring about a change at least for the benefit of our next generation,” he says.
Eco-restoration is the first big step of the group and we are working towards it by collaborating with many associations in the locality and by conducting plantation drives, says Darwin.
“We also work towards the enhancement of the life of the people by educating women self-help groups about the various works that are available. We teach them about mushroom cultivation and honey bee rearing,” he adds.
He further says awareness camps are also conducted in schools and colleges so that the next generation will get to know more about the environment and how to protect it.
“There are many like-minded people who want to contribute to society and we are acting as a platform to unite them,” he explains.
Talking about the garbage dumping problem – one of the major issues in Chitlapakkam – he says decentralisation of segregation is the only way to reduce garbage dumping in the open.
“Awareness should be created about the benefits of source segregation. Not just the public, officials and conservancy workers should also be taught about source segregation. This will reduce a lot of solid waste. The biodegradable waste can be converted to manure and can be used in terrace gardening or can be sold to farmers for a minimum amount,” he says.
Darwin can be reached at 94441 12271.